Most of the influence of the culture came from the streets. Anything from graffiti, political and social issues would inspire the early pioneer of the genre to drop the dopest design on a t-shirt or jacket while throwing the finger to mainstream fashion for their lack of embrace of the style. These days we inspire mainstream. But I don’t remember a bag of bedazzles or glitter alongside aerosol cans, fat caps and markers that would inspire the fashion. Some brands have stayed true to the style since day one.

Streetwear has evolved, like anything else with a great following. The same color ways exist as well the political puns and crazy ass humor. I mean whoever thought of using photoshop to remove a cock and putting a sneaker in a chick’s mouth is a genius to me. But when you start labeling certain brands chic, that’s when I know someone took a wrong turn somewhere. Someone, somewhere, sold out and stole a bag of glitter from their kids then splashed that shit on a shirt and called it street. Again, I’m not knockin anyone’s style of dress, but would you call an airplane strapped with a rocket pack a spaceship? That’s my 2 cents.

brand, I set out to convey an attitude….a state of mind, that takes you away, opens your mind, stimulates your senses and brings out your classical inner beauty. I want to make you imagine a place of supreme contentment, surrounded by beauty, creativity, passion, amazing art, fanciful architecture and a people of indomitable spirit.

Catalunya Nights offers a casual top that allows the customer to feel comfortable, relaxed, unpretentious and stylish, with a keen sense of taste. Graphics will be inspired by and remain authentic to the Barcelona/Catalan cultural icons of art, modernist architecture, joy of living and the indomitable Catalan spirit…. colorful and substantial, yet simple, designed to impress, but not overwhelm. Counts of Barcelona incorporates the heraldry of the storied Counts of Barcelona, iconic Catalan symbols such as the bat, shield and Modernisme details….at once authentic and masculine, with a touch of romance and a big measure of the incomparable Barcelona vibe. Both collections are at home as street wear, casual wear or club wear…for a day in the sun or an evocative Barcelona night of dinner, drinks or dancing barefoot at a beach front club.

Each brand is positioned as an attitudinal brand, reflecting the fresh, free, stylish and slightly edgy Barcelona vibe. The product is sensual, yet remains true to a clean and simpler look that consumers are gravitating towards. It has a luxurious look and feel, yet is priced to be attainable and practical. The brands are authentic, with each graphic having a story rooted in legend, history or lore of the land. The apparel is stylish, yet exudes a degree of practicality and refined taste…with the Barcelona spirit of living well without living large.

In explaining the essence of Catalunya Nights, Henry R. Mandell said, “Rather than create a blinged out or contrived “lifestyle” brand, I set out to convey an attitude….a state of mind, that takes you away, opens your mind, stimulates your senses and brings out your classical inner beauty. I want to make you imagine a place of supreme contentment, surrounded by beauty, creativity, passion, amazing art, fanciful architecture and a people of indomitable spirit.” As an extension of this vision, the spirit of the brand is expressed in credos of self affirmation and growth, such as; embrace life, love fiercely, create, strong heart and faith that are incorporated into the logo and challenges consumers to live well by appreciating what is really important in life.

In describing his men’s collection, Henry R. Mandell explained, “I’ve always wondered why casual contemporary clothing for men had to look alike, either with dark themes of death, despair and destruction, or bland non-descript basics for those who play it safe. The result is a either hard-edged or soft edged sameness with the same result…conformity. That’s not what men really want nor, for that matter, do dark colors and edgy themes by itself define masculinity. There has got to be real substance to define a real man.” Counts of Barcelona offer an edgy but more substantive look, with authentic imagery that conveys the creed of the venerable Counts of Barcelona: Valor, Honor and Duty. Catalan symbols and icons depict stories that represent this creed. The result is a collection that moves beyond the ubiquitous and oversaturated rock and roll and downer Gothic themes utilized by many men’s’ tops lines today.

Both collections will generally be priced in the $21-$28 wholesale price range and use a sumptuous cotton/Modal blend for women and a substantial ring spun cotton for men. The company is targeting premium boutiques, high-end department and specialty store customers looking for clothing to live well, but not large.

All items are made in Los Angeles, to provide quick turn for retailers and to support the American apparel industry. In addition, part of the company culture and attitude of the brands is the recognition that success requires us to give something back to help others. The Company’s Heal the World program commits a portion of the company’s profits for local scholarships and for microloans to entrepreneurs, often women or single parents who seek to make a better life for their families.

Catalunya Nights will premiere at Intermezzo at the Jacob Javits Center in New York, Booth 10439 from August 2nd-4th. Sales information on both brands is available from Arielle R. Mandell at 818.991.0425 ext 13 or via e-mail.

About Counts of Barcelona LLC
Counts of Barcelona LLC designs and sells simple but stylish men’s and women’s tops reflecting the free, fresh and fun attitude of Barcelona and the related rich Catalan culture. The women’s and men’s collections are marketed under the trademarked Catalunya Nights and Counts of Barcelona brands, respectively. Graphics are inspired by and remain authentic to the Barcelona cultural icons of art, modernist architecture, legends, joy of living and the indomitable Catalan spirit….colorful and substantial, yet simple, designed to impress, but not overwhelm. The company offices are at 29395 Agoura Road, Suite 209, Agoura Hills, California 91301 www.catalunyanights.com and www.countsofbarcelona.com.