BARCELONA | Marimekko in Nordicthink

Last week I was invited to the presentation of Marimekko SS 2014 Collection here in Barcelona. The event was organized by Jordi of Nordicthink, "the store" for any Scandinavian design passionate. 

I met Jordi some time ago when I visited the shop to buy some things. We always have great conversations about design and we are working together here on the blog being Nordicthink is one of FNWG sponsors. 

Nordicthink opened its doors a couple of years ago: the selection of Nordic design is wide and cheerful, with some of the greatest pieces like the home accessories and lamps from Muuto, furniture from Danish brand Hay and, now, Marimekko Home collection. 

I am very fond of the Finnish brand because, from one side, it was my very first introduction to Scandinavian design and, secondly, I find it timeless and able to fit perfectly with anyone taste and preferences (my mum, my little niece and me are all very big fans). 

During the presentation we had the chance to enjoy the beautiful Kurjenpolvi design, inspired by the Geranium species: the light grey and black and white versions are very interesting.

I also loved the Softheads in Marimekko dress, a project that brings together art and design and is handmade here in Barcelona. These are a limited edition designed just for Nordicthink.

Images courtesy Nordicthink.

Gudy Herder

Last week I had the pleasure to be invited by Gudy Herder to ElTornBarcelona, for a potters and ceramicists pop-up shop and exhibition. As the blogger behind Eclectic Trends, Gudy and I had been in contact for a while online until we had the chance to meet at the Kinfolk dinner, organised last month here in Barcelona (post coming soon!). 

I love Gudy's work: there's a very special sensitivity about the way she presents things on her blog and I could notice it as well in her  ceramics. The collection Gudy showed was of a selection of paper porcelain pieces:  sculptural, almost architectonic objects as light as a feather. I loved their delicacy, the irregularity of the edges and shapes, due to the special process she used. Very fascinating.  She also gave me a tour of the workshop  and of the fellow potters' and ceramists' work, like Corrie Bain's and Sophie Aguilera's.

If you are in Barcelona for the upcoming holidays, go to have a look and you won't be disappointed: they are exposing and selling during December and first week of January. More info here. But, if you are not, do not worry and stay tuned on her blog as she is about to open a webshop soon. 

Vintage jewellery from Barcelona

Last weekend the independent designer fair took place in Barcelona, El Festivalet. There are some great designers out there, believe me. These necklaces are an example: they belong to Aprés Sky, the line of accessories of Lucia Vergara, a designer based in Barcelona. Après Ski is a brand that identifies with the vintage aesthetic, original, special and unique look, and so most of her pieces are actually born of old materials, from the 40s to 80s. Golden brass and resin pieces, beads or antique fabrics found in Europe and intervened for their design and hand-glazed, all with craftsmanship, offering a look between the naive and romantic, casual and modern, always in limited editions.You can have a look of Lucia's work here and, if you have fallen in love as much as I did, here is the link were you can go for shopping!

Living in a Gallery in Barcelona

My first post after 5 weeks needed to be a special one and this why I chose to show this very peculiar space in Barcelona: half-way between a home and a gallery, the atmosphere that comes out from this house is full of energy and light.

The Openhouse Project -  that's how it's called - started with the idea of Mari luz Vidal and Andrew Trotter to open their home to show and share their photographic and gastronomic projects in a way which is more personal and intimate. Openhouse Project Magazine is meant as a common space for all the people who share the same ideas. Isn't it a great idea?