Hola Blog!
Marqués de Riscal experience
Nearly 500 wine experts, including sommeliers and wine journalists make up the The World’s Best Vineyards Academy. Selected for their extensive knowledge of wine and wine tourism, its aim is to foster wine tourism and encourage people to explore the world’s best wineries and vineyards.
They present together the 50 most incredible places to learn about viticulture and wine tasting, considering other aspects than just the wines, such as: the restaurant, the route, the atmosphere, the staff, the views, cost, reputation, accessibility, everything which makes the visit to a vineyard a valuable and a valued and gratifying experience for visitors.
The commercial success of Marqués de Riscal meant that the bodega soon had to make a first enlargement. In 1883 work began on building the bodega known as El Palomar (the Dovecote) in the style of the Bordeaux cellars. In 2011 it was remodeled, turning it into a space equipped with the latest technology and the most advanced machinery for making fine quality wines, and it is here that today the premium wines from Marqués de Riscal are made. The Plaza del Reloj is also the location of the entrance to the Jardín Inglés (English Garden), a quiet place to stop and relax, where time seems to stand still so as to take in the history and culture that seeps from every corner of these bodegas.
At the heart of the Marqués de Riscal City of Wine stands the jewel in the crown of the Marriot International hotel chain: the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Designed by Frank O. Gehry, one of the world’s top architects, responsible, among other major works, for the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, the hotel combines the most deeply rooted winemaking tradition with an avant-garde design, luxury and the most advanced technology of the 21st century.
In this edition of The World’s Best Vineyards Academy the South American wineries stand out as the best destinations, occupying part of the first positions. Marqués de Riscal is the first Spanish winery in the Top 10 being in sixth place. The Spanish representation was made up of another three bodegas, González Byass-Tío Pepe, Bodegas Vivanco y Familia Torres.
Basque-style cheesecake
When Mercado Little Spain opened its doors in New York over a year ago, they couldn’t wait to bring Spain’s most treasured ingredients and recipes to New York City. Their team of Spanish chefs in addition to chefs with extensive experience working in Basque Country all have that one special dish that transport them back to the country they love so much. They’ve began collecting their stories and are excited to share them with you in The España Experience video series.
This cheesecake is the alter ego to the classic New York – style cheesecake with a press-in cookie crust – . Inspired by the Basque version, this is the cheesecake that wants to get burnt, cracked, and cooked at high heat. Which also means this is the cheesecake that’s impossible to mess up. Starting with Pastry Chef Thea Habjanic, she talks about the first time she had Basque-style cheesecake. You’ll want to stop by the takeout window or reserve a seat at Spanish Diner ASAP to try for yourself what makes this version of the decadent dessert – Gazta Tarta or Tarta de Queso – so special.
Hoff by Moisés Nieto
Moisés Nieto is a women’s fashion brand based in Madrid, founded in 2011 by the designer who gives the brand its name. Is defined by its fusion of craftsmanship and attention to detail with a sense of refined taste. For the collaboration, Moisés’ iconic Vichy pattern becomes the sole of this exclusive Hoff design. This awarded Spanish fashion designer joined forces with Hoff to bring the best of both: A full-leather model in white with touches of light grey and blue suede, designed exclusively for the female audience.
Moisés Nieto is defined by it’s fusion of craftsmanship and attention to detail with a sense of refined taste. Inspired by the national art and youth culture, combined with an emphasis on the adaptation and use of raw materials 100 % made in Spain.
Moisés Nieto has played a major role in the revitalization of Spanish fashion. Awarded by “My Own Show” Vogue Italia prize in 2011, curated by the Valentino Group. The brand began the road to the creation and production of their collections after winning the L’oreal Paris prize for the best collection of EGO in 2012. Nowadays, Moisés Nieto is established as one of the best creatives in the Spanish fashion scene.
Pablosky growing feets
Pablosky is one of the leading international brands of Spanish children’s and teenager’s footwear. The company was created in 1969 by its founder, Juan Pablo Martin-Caro. Today the company has a team of over 400 experienced professionals who teach younger employees the secrets of Pablosky‘s quality. They don’t have a manual, it is a job that is done day to day, encouraging inter-relationships between employees and departments and making continuous improvement a valuable part of their corporate culture.
Pablosky produces in Spain more than 2 million pairs of shoes every year and design more than 1,000 models per season. They have their own distinct technology the Pablosky System: Bovine leather outer, Intech absorbent inner lining, heel and toe guards, absorbent, antibacterial insole and non-slip rubber sole.
Keys to their success can be summarized in four points: 1. Experts on growing feet. 2. Footwear manufacturers since 1969, with more than 50 years of experience. 3. Endorsed by expert podiatrists from SEBIOR, Spanish Society of Biomechanics and Orthopodology; and 4: Creators of the exclusive Pablosky System technology.
Today, Pablosky has more than 2,000 outlets/stores in Spain and is present in over 40 countries.
AI.lice by Puig
Family-owned Spanish fragrance house Puig has introduced AI.lice, an innovative new mobile technology that allows customers to preview scents in real time without testing or smelling it.
AI.lice technology allows customers to use their mobile cameras to scan a QR code, focus on a particular fragrance and reveal key ingredients, olfactory notes and other relevant product information. It also recommends similar products available in-store to match each customer’s specific preferences.
Puig-owned heritage fragrance brand Penhaligon’s is the first to introduce the AI.LICE technology through its ‘Magic Monocle’ digital tool. It helps customers navigate Penhaligon’s range and enables them to test products and curate their own wish-lists. It is now available in Penhaligon’s boutiques across the UK and Asia Pacific.
When arriving at a perfumery, customer will scan a QR code with their smartphone. Thereafter, when focusing bottles or packagings with mobile device’s camera, AI.lice automatically analyzes information received through a perfume database and displays these results on client phone. System highlights olfactory family of all fragrances and their dominant ingredients, and also provides information on products available in the perfumery that match customer preferences.
To launch this technology, Magic Monocle is being tested in Penhaligon’s stores in the UK and Asia.
Barcelona Bridal Week
From September 18 to 22, the leading event in bridal fashion returns through its new digital space designed to promote connections and business opportunities among brands, buyers, brides-to-be and operators in the sector, communication professionals and wedding planners. An application that can be downloaded from September 14 to be able to view the content and interact with the VBBFW brands from any device.
VBBFW will host the fashion shows of Pronovias and other brands of its group such as Nicole and St. Patrick, as well as other Spanish market leaders such as Jesús Peiró; Yolancris; Sophie et Voilà; Isabel Sanchis and Higar Novias. Various international brands will also present their collections on the catwalk, including the Korean brand Vestal; The Atelier, the Malaysian firm directed by Jimmy Choo; Flora, from Israel; the French firm Cymbeline; the American firms Demetrios and Yumi Katsura; Marylise & Rembo Styling, from Belgium, and the Italian firms Valentini, Bellantuono and Amelia Casablanca, as well as the ‘new talent’ Lorena Panea, Olga Macià, Léonie Bridal and Poesie Sposa.
All of them will feature in the shows on the catwalk that will have a spectacular setting, created by the theatre company that specializes in the performing arts, La Fura dels Baus, and that will be broadcast to the public through the VBBFW App.
In addition, VBBFW is launching new formats such as that of the Italian firm Antonio Riva which, exclusively for this event, will open the doors of its ‘maison’ and present the new creations of its world and its new collection Étoile 2021.
A new feature this year is that brands and buyers will have access for the first time to opinions and preferences of brides-to-be invited to enjoy the shows, thus obtaining important information to make future decisions regarding their business, both in terms of purchases and production.
According to the director of the VBBFW, Estermaria Laruccia, “it will be a new way of bringing all of the big players in the bridal fashion industry together, wherever they are. In a particularly complex period like the one we are experiencing, we would like to thank the main Spanish and international firms that have confirmed their presence on the catwalk and at the trade show for making a firm commitment to the future despite the uncertainties of the moment. In this edition we aim to achieve closer contact with everyone in the trade and also to the end customer, overcoming limits and frontiers to offer trade professionals and brides-to-be from all over the world not only the latest innovations in the sector, but also the talent, creativity and design that drive bridal fashion“.
At the same time, the platform will host the ‘trade show’, a digital showroom exclusively for professionals, with the designs and collections of a hundred brands, 60% of which are international, who will be able to contact buyers, distributors and retailers from all over the world and thus boost business.
Acrata’s pieces of art
Ácrata is the result of the quest for distinction, the taste for pattern construction and architecture, the strengthening of craftmanship. The past, the roots and the beginning are the basis that pave the way for the future. They link the know-how with the use of originating materials, along with the primary elements from artisan Spanish tradition which are intermingled with the design of future possibilities, where architectural shapes are such, based on what has made them.
Ácrata is woven using high-quality fine materials, selected very carefully and revalorising the use of ancient techniques. Providing unity to the different pieces because they carry the essence of the idea that conceived them, since it is art, in its primitive form, the core of the brand, that is why transgression boosts our urge to go one step further.
This brand seeks not only utility but also meaningfulness through the different pieces, they seek to forge a communication link that emerges from the idea that originates the product, its content, and the craftmanship that takes care of each element, so they can intertwine with the community since are focusing on objects that go far beyond need or impulse. Each one of the collections and its different parts, as well as the elements that compose them, have been given a certain sense designed to transmit the artist soul that has shaped them. Ácrata wants to turn day wear into a piece of art per se.
Marma eco swimwear
Marma is a collection of thoughtfully created swimwear combining sustainability, glam, bohemian spirit and chic trends. This made-in-Spain young collection is locally designed, sourced and produced using sustainable materials and new water free printing technology that gives the line its sustainable edge. Marma swimwear is made entirely from Econyl, the go-to fabric for eco-friendly swimwear labels. Old fishing nets, carpets and plastics are repurposed to make the regenerated nylon.
These swimsuits by young creative Marta Arribas de la Maza are a way of life. It’s the journey of learning to love, respect, and have a sense of responsibility for our planet. It’s about appreciating the past, enjoying the present and anticipating the future. And all under the vision of this young creative from Zarautz, influenced by her wonderful surroundings in Donostia – St. Sebastian, Biarritz and the Basque Coast.
Marma swimwear collection was created with the vision of how women see themselves and how they would like to be seen when they put on a swimsuit. Figure-flattering and awe-inspiring, Marma swimwear delivers fit, form and function with style.
Castañer Espadrilles
Castañer is the footwear brand that has renewed the footwear fashion scene through a risky and different proposal. Esparto or espardenyas slippers have been a fundamental garment for centuries. Espadrilles are casual, flat, but sometimes high-heeled shoes. They usually have a canvas or cotton fabric upper and a flexible sole made of esparto rope. This type of footwear has gained new strength thanks to this Spanish brand.
Modern and full of originality, Castañer is a reinterpretation of this type of footwear and offers a really great aesthetic. Traditional fabrics are filled with prints and curious motifs. The color is now a privileged place and the positivity is shown as a great exponent of its design. Authentically revolutionary in their creative concept, they have the most select materials. The whole collection has been made in a handmade way and the old techniques result in a resistant footwear. Perfect to combine with jeans or even dare with other proposals as its combination with clothing, have become a fundamental piece in the shoe maker of fashion lovers.
Castañer creates a shoe for men and women who are looking for a young and different spirit. These are handmade style shoes that make esparto grass their basic material. The great variety in colours and motifs will allow you to combine them in different ways. For example, they can wear cotton shirt dresses in pastel shades and combine them in the same tone. A water green shirt dress accompanied by a chestnut tree in the same shade can look fabulous. They can also discover the fashion of this brand by wearing the comfortable esparto grass slippers with Bermuda shorts and polo shirts in bright colours. Striped or checkered models are especially fun!