When last we caught up with Flat S, she had been abducted by pirates who were sailing the Atlantic with unclear intentions. The last we knew, they were setting sail toward some mysterious destination.
A few days after that story went live, a bottle washed ashore near our place in the East River. Inside was a message from the pirates demanding a ransom. They wanted a selection of our fabric patterns and some remnants from past collections in exchange for Flat S, promising to return her once they landed in Spain in August. Without hesitation, we gathered the ransom, packed a bag for Flat S (since she’d been stuck in that old Family Reunion Dress for over a year), and booked flights to Barcelona.
Arriving in Barcelona, we followed the instructions to make the ransom drop. Once completed, the next morning, Flat S appeared through the mail slot of our rented flat. It was fantastic to have her back after such a long absence! With Flat S in tow, we decided to make the most of our time together in the city, sightseeing and getting some work done.
We began our adventure with a stroll around Montjuïc, which was conveniently within walking distance from our apartment. Along the way, we stopped at Plaça d’Espanya.
Before climbing the hill, we visited the reproduction of the German Pavilion, designed by Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 International Exposition. This structure marked a significant shift in modernist architecture, introducing new ideas about space and construction.
From there, we climbed the stairs past the magical fountain and arrived at the entrance of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, one of our favorite spots. The current building dates back to the same exposition and contrasts sharply with the minimalist design of the German Pavilion.
At the top, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city below.
We spent a wonderful afternoon at the museum, reuniting with two of our favorite paintings—Ramon Casas and Pere Romeu on a Tandem and Ramon Casas and Pere Romeu in a Motor Car. These works are often seen as symbols of the transition from the 19th to the 20th century, moving from bicycles to automobiles.
Another day, we stumbled upon a sewing studio offering machines and coffee for just seven euros an hour. Unfortunately, it was closing for siesta, so we couldn’t go in and make Flat S a new outfit. (As you know, siestas are sacred in Spain, especially during festival season.)
During our stay, we were lucky enough to experience Barcelona during festival season. Each neighborhood competes for the best decorations, spending weeks crafting them from recycled materials. The streets are closed off, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with music and community spirit.
Soon after Flat S arrived, it was the turn of the Gracia district, known for its spectacular displays. We were blown away by their creativity.
The following week, our own neighborhood, Sants—a former industrial village now integrated into Barcelona—got its chance. Though not as elaborate as Gracia's, our decorations were still impressive. Our street went with an Aladdin theme, and Flat S posed with some of the characters.
The festival brought out makeshift bars run by locals, with tables filling the streets. Restaurants also set up outdoor seating, adding to the lively ambiance. Each street hosted live music, ranging from traditional Catalan bands to rock covers, playing late into the night.
Between all the food, drinks, music, and decorations, Flat S mingled with locals, quickly becoming a friendly face. She wasn’t shy after her travels and approached strangers with ease.
One day, she even helped out at a festival bar run by two young men.
She also spent an afternoon chilling with a group of guys by a fountain.
Flat S loved shopping at our local market, where vendors sold fresh produce, fish, and meat.
Judit, who worked at her family’s butcher shop, became a good friend. She was incredibly kind, forgiving my terrible Spanish when I was trying to buy skirt steak for the grill and preventing a potential disaster.
Liesl and I have a habit of taking "door photos," and Flat S joined in while we were in Barcelona.
On our final days, Flat S helped us with a photoshoot for Liesl + Co.’s upcoming collection.
Sadly, our trip had to end. As we prepared to head home for the school year, Flat S decided she didn’t want to leave. The weather was too perfect, and she loved her time in Spain.
On our last day, we took Flat S to visit friends in Castelldefels, a beach town nearby. She had such a blast that she decided to stay there by the pool when we returned to Barcelona to catch our flight home.
We’re confident she’ll meet new friends who’ll keep her entertained as she continues her journey. We can’t wait to hear about her next chapter!
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