The maverick northern territory of Spain is like a country unto itself. Interestingly enough, the region, which borders France, offers easier access to Biarritz than it does to Barcelona and Madrid. Perhaps the proximity to France is what gives the region its chic flavor. Basque boutiques offer a cool mix of effortlessly sexy fashion mixed with the signature Basque Country styling. Basque styling involves luxurious but understated layering with a bohemian and sporty vibe all at once. The look is all about unfussy yet architecturally bold style.
The biggest city in the region is Bilbao, where you can find the top global stores like Zara, Michael Kors, Mango and Lowe as well as staples like H&M. But I like discovering the undiscovered — the places where fashion is truly born and made. Here is my Gypset Girl Guide to shopping the fashion boutiques of the Basque Country:
Pukas Surf Shop in Getaria and San Sebastián
Women in Northern Spain fall into one of two categories: those who surf and those who watch. The majority of women and girls in the Basque Country are surfer girls. Good surf clothing and accessories with a high fashion edge are a necessary part of a Basque girl’s everyday wardrobe and Pukas Surf Shop is the place to find it.
Noventa Grados (Ninety Degrees), San Sebastián
While understated fashion with a sports edge is the look of the Basque Country, Basque women aren’t fashion ignorant! The hottest high fashion lines are big in the Basque country and the best place to find a well curated collection is at Ninety Degrees. The look at Ninety Degrees is sexy and avant garde, with designers including Rick Owens, Barbara Bui and Ann Demeulemeester. Their designer handbag and sexy, edgy shoe collections are always displayed in a way that does them justice best: with museum quality lighting and stark, minimalist backdrops to showcase some of the best shopping in Basque country.
Perfumeria Urbieta, San Sebastián
A girl needs a little glamour in her life. Perfumeria Urbieta in the queen’s summer beach town of San Sebastián is the place to find it. They carry all the near impossible to find lines of perfumes like Frederic Malle and Une Nuit a Bali, candles from Diptyque and professional cosmetics like Kevin Aucoin.
Jazki, Getaria
The tiny boutique in the beach town of Getaria (Balenciaga’s home town) sells affordable pieces from new German, French and Spanish designers.
Mundaka BC, Mundaka
Designed by surfers for surfers, the boutique is located in Mundaka, home to huge, world class waves and former location for the World Championship Tour of Surfing. They offer a cool selection of local books, fashion and surf gear.
The Coolest Neighborhood for Shopping in the Basque Country
For a unique shopping experience in the Basque Country, head over and spend the day at the hip, beachside neighborhood of Gros in San Sebastián. Gros is home to San Sebastián’s best surf beach, Zurriola Beach, and has a great mix of people watching, hot surfers, independent boutiques and cafés for the gypset fashionista.
Hitz in San Sebastián, Hondarribia and Bilbao
The newest location of this fashion brand is in Gros and it’s the perfect destination for denim and uber cool t-shirts with a Basque Country edge. All fashion is designed and produced proudly in the Basque Country.
Pas Si Simple, San Sebastián
From the moment you walk up to the boutique, you know what you’re in for. Pas Si Simple is charming and eclectic offering great bohemian dresses, vintage furniture, antique china and one of a kind accessories.
La Romantique, San Sebastián
The name of the boutique describes their look perfectly! They offer romantic bohemian looks with everything you need to layer and make the look happen. It’s boho surfer girl with a feminine, romantic edge all year round at La Romantique.
Metropolis Platz, San Sebastián
Metropolis Platz is a combination art gallery, bookshop and fashion boutique offering the latest in international and local up and coming designers. It’s a great place to visit on a rainy day to spend time admiring the edgy art, check out their book collections and try on some good, local fashion.
Zoriontsu erosketak! (happy shopping in euskera)
