Where did Rosalía get her stockings?

Who isn't fascinated by porter shops? There are few left in Barcelona, ​​but if you look around a bit, you can still find a handful. These are the shops that occupy a small portion of space in the building's entrance hall. Tiny spaces that resist the passage of time. Licenses haven't been granted for years, but those that remain continue to breathe life into a commercial landscape that grows increasingly repetitive and soulless. In Ciutat Vella (the Old City), we can find a few. One of them is Perfumería Bonsuccés, on the street of the same name, of course, next to La Rambla—an oasis of good vibes, a touch of local color, and also specialization.

Gemma Comabella inherited the business a few years ago from her mother, Montserrat Prats, who is retired but still often visits the shop, chats with customers and suppliers, and feels a strong connection to the business. She was the one who took charge of specializing in "head and foot" accessories, as they say, with a keen eye and a sense of humor, for the main products they offer. That is, stockings—an impressive variety—and hair accessories: barrettes, headbands, pins, and clips. Today they have many young customers who want accessories for their studies—theater and dance—and also for their social media videos.

While we're talking, two girls come in. expados Ask about the latest trend: polka dot tights. "They're selling like hotcakes." This season, sky blue has also been a huge hit; all the suppliers have sold out. And the same thing happened last year with red and burgundy. Oh! And let's not forget that there's also a lot of demand for white this year. Why? Because Rosalía wears a lot of white in her latest music videos. And do you know a secret? The tights she wears are bought at Bonsuccés Perfumery. Amaia's too. Both artists' stylists are clients of the store. And it's a source of pride for Gemma and Montserrat, of course. They have a very active Instagram account: @mediasbonsucces.

The wall opposite the shop is covered with photos of its history, which, along with legs encased in stockings, create a wonderful atmosphere in the entrance hall. In a business like this, a friendly neighborhood is essential. And in this case, it's absolutely true. There are few neighbors, and the atmosphere is great. "Gemma, can you keep an eye on the child? I'll be right back!" It's a pleasure to be involved, to observe the interactions, the "holes" and the "goodbyes," the "Good morning, beautiful!" Gemma and Montserrat explain the origins of the business. It was Gemma's great-grandfather, Joan Prats, who founded it sometime in the 1910s. The first lease they have is from 1925, but they had already been in business for ten years. It started as a watchmaking workshop. Prats bought the watches in Switzerland, and one day, by mistake, the order included a batch of razor blades they hadn't ordered. But they were snapped up immediately! The so-called charlatansStreet vendors wandering along the Rambla sold them in no time.

It was Agustí Prats, Joan's son, who, seeing this unexpected success, made the switch to perfumery. Razor blades, yes, but also cologne, hair gel, soaps, and all kinds of hygiene products. The business grew, and they opened a new shop on Carrer del Carme to sell wholesale. A tragic family accident that caused significant losses left the business in the hands of a girl on the cusp of adolescence: Montserrat. And yes, she toughened up and carried on. And here, a few years later, seeing the rise of the big perfume brands that were taking over the market, she made the aforementioned specialization in "head and footwear": hosiery, stockings, and socks. Always quality products, seeking out the best national and international suppliers.

One hundred and twenty-five different colors of stockings! Ten different shades of green! A very valuable specialization. Woolen tights, hand-painted tights, classic tights, statement tights, alternative tastes... "Can someone who weighs over 100 kilos and wants to feel sexy in tights that fit find them? Of course they can! Bring them on!"