It has been 50 years since the writer Joan de Sagarra referred to the progressive bourgeoisie that inhabited the Bocaccio discotheque in Barcelona as Gauche Divine, or Divine Left, in Catalan. This term gained popularity and influence, as even today it can inspire events like the Shopping Night in Barcelona. The Shopping Night, which took place recently on the Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona, filled the streets with fashion and visitors until midnight.
The event kicked off with a party at the Palau Robert inspired by Cadaqués, a meeting point for young rebels of that time with figures like Dalí. The organizers were expecting around 90,000 visitors for the night. Among the guests was Teresa Gimpera, an icon of that era at 81 years old. She reminisced about being the image of the Bocaccio in the 60s and expressed mixed feelings about being considered an icon. When asked about the need for a new Gauche Divine, Gimpera hesitated to comment, stating that she couldn’t judge the younger generation and their world.
Accompanying her were instamodel Jessica Goicoechea, the duo of youtubers The Tripletz who entertained the crowd with their music, and actor Josep Ferré, known for his television character Soledad León de Salazar.
As visitors strolled along the Passeig de Gràcia, they encountered Karin Leiz, a model of that era and ex-wife of artist Leopoldo Pomés. She posed next to designs by students from the IED Barcelona School of Design. Leiz, who is now focused on writing, mentioned that she wasn’t as involved in the Gauche Divine scene due to having three children at the time. However, she acknowledged the impact of the work she and Pomés created for the iconic restaurant Flash Flash.
Leiz praised the Shopping Night for its visual appeal but admitted that she preferred to shop when she felt like it, without being dazzled by the spectacle. Reflecting on her time in fashion, she fondly remembered her three years with Pertegaz and how the industry has evolved since then. She highlighted the positive changes in fashion and how the Gauche Divine movement played a role in breaking societal norms and mental barriers.
In conclusion, the Shopping Night in Barcelona continues to draw inspiration from the Gauche Divine era, bringing together fashion, music, and culture in a vibrant celebration of creativity and individuality. The event serves as a reminder of the past while embracing the present and looking towards the future of fashion and lifestyle.