Whenever the main streets in the Barri Gotic get a little bit hectic, I love just slipping off into the cool, dark Passatge del Crédit, a beautiful old arcade full of art shops, cafes and a posh pintxo bar that looks well worth a visit.
But the most interesting shop is Suspect, a concept store that showcases young Catalan designers and artists. The lovely owner showed me around the store and gave me some background info about Suspect.
The front of the store has everything you need to make your life lovely and creative, such as niche art and design books and mags, quirky homeware by El Ajuar de Maria, illustrated tees with woodland creatures, Chrystoph Marten hair product and small surreal and illustrative watercolours by local artist Gastón Liberto.
The second room has more of a boudoir feel with delicate lingerie, luxe swimwear, designer womenswear and cool handmade jewellery featuring plenty of leather and studs. I adored this Lady Gaga-esque red lace shirt and the white shirt jacket with embroidered collar and buttons on the sleeve.
Suspect’s summer collection includes designers such as Manuel Bolaño, Krizia Robustella, Juan Antonio Avalos, voluminous and draped pieces by Zazo & Brull, summer wool silkscreen scarves by Gauche Protocol and textured experimental knitwear by Matalafria. Other featured designers include Complete, Dismissed, Steven Shein, Txell Miras, L’primera, Factoria Rent Me and Juan Antonio Avalos.
With most of Barcelona’s concept stores and boutiques dotted around El Born and Gràcia, Suspect is like a hidden gem among the Barri Gotic’s tourist traps. Step off the side street and experience this odd arcade for yourself and discover some of Barcelona’s hottest design talent.
Suspect, Passatge del Crédit 8 08002 Barcelona.