81) la-a in Gràcia

My group (our class is split into 3-person groups for projects) stumbled upon a store called la-a while wandering around Gràcia this afternoon. Its bright, minimalist interior of grainy, unstained wood and white-washed walls stood out amongst Gràcia’s more traditional store fronts. One of those impossibly adorable stores full of recycled cardboard, retro prints and twine. All of la-a’s products are all-natural, sustainable and artisan-made. When we talked with the store owner, we learned that today was their first day open for business.

Earlier, we had noticed an abundance of herbologist stores in the neighborhood that sold all-natural supplements and toiletries, each with an older, slightly hippy feel. la-a is a new take on all-natural, sustainable and artisanal - a fresh way to package these concepts. Like those of the herbologist stores, its offerings - from soaps to journals to tote bags - are a response to the local demand for quality products, and a healthful benefit for both the consumer and the environment. But the specific products chosen, together with the store’s design details speak to a more modern customer.