Bringing Back the 80s Written by Cynthia Palafox
Photographed by Cynthia and Tony
The thought of actually saying this had never crossed my mind,
but yes, I am helping Spain bring back the 80s. During the past
three months I have bought three pairs of leggings, four very
colorful shirts and three scarves that don’t quite match,
well, that all depends on who you are speaking with.
One of the primary things I noticed when I arrived in Barcelona,
aside from the incredible architecture, was what I thought to
be a lack of fashion sense in the locals. Purple tights, jean
skirt, green top, black jacket and a magenta scarf? Do these people
own a mirror? After settling here for a few months however, I
began to realize that I was the one sticking out like a soar thumb,
not them. Here I was trying to coordinate my blacks and reds when
everyone else was experimenting with color. Who really cares if
you wear white after Labor Day? It is a winter color isn’t
it?
I have spoken to my older students about this topic on many occasions
and the consensus is that Barcelona is not trying to create a
new fashion sense; it is just broadening people’s perspective
of what fashion can be. More specifically, it is allowing people
to find their own fashion, whether sexy, comfortable, unique,
punk or even retro without feeling like they are a walking fashion
faux pas.
Paris, Milan, New York, London are all great cities with amazing
designers, but as I have come to find out, their fashion is not
for everyone; especially for those who make less than six figures.
What is unique about Barcelona is that it is breaking away from
that mold and making fashion available to everyone, not just financially
but also creatively.
So now, I proudly strut the streets of Barcelona in my black
tights, jean mini, purple turtleneck, grey sweater and red scarf
without a worry in the world. I may not do this everyday, but
at least I am no longer scared to add a little color to my wardrobe.
Now, if I can only get used to seeing mullets on girls, I’ll
be set.
Cynthia
Palafox was born in Mexico and has lived in three countries.
After graduating college, she traveled through Europe and
Mexico discovering her passion for travel. She is currently
living in Barcelona, Spain teaching English and learning new
things everyday about the Spanish and Catalan culture.
