Vogue Spain has named Barcelona the “city of the year” in a dedicated Vogue Barcelona special issue. Released on 20 January, this edition aligns with the city’s designation as the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture for 2026. Consequently, the magazine shifts its editorial focus to celebrate this major cultural moment.
Furthermore, the publication describes this release as a “love letter” to the Catalan capital. It moves beyond standard travel features to explore the city’s social and economic fabric. Meanwhile, the launch coincides with the ‘Gaudí Year’ celebrations. Therefore, the magazine uses the city’s architectural heritage as a central visual theme for this special issue.
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Vogue Barcelona Special Issue: A Portrait of the ‘City of Wonders’
Inés Lorenzo, the director of Vogue Spain, framed the issue as a recognition of the city’s ability to attract global talent. She noted that Barcelona represents a concept that captivates the international creative community. This is driven by an eagerness to become part of its history.
Lorenzo emphasised the energy found not just in the historic centre, but in peripheral neighbourhoods. Therefore, the magazine aims to capture the specific spark that defines the city. It describes this as a magic nestled in its most authentic edges.
The cover shoot features top model Lulu Tenney, a muse for Chanel. Photographer Sebastian Faena and stylist Harry Lambert captured images at iconic locations. These include Gaudí’s La Pedrera, the Gothic Quarter, and the Walden 7 building. According to reports on the launch, these images draw a fresh portrait of the city’s spaces. For more on global fashion capitals, see Vogue’s analysis of fashion capitals.
Local Voices and Hidden Corners in the Vogue Barcelona Special Issue
Beyond high-fashion editorials, the Vogue Barcelona special issue dedicates significant space to local narratives. Barcelona writer Leticia Sala contributed a personal essay mapping the city through emotional milestones. Her text traverses Les Tres Torres, Les Corts, and the streets of El Carmel. This offers an intimate counterpoint to the glossy photography.
“I could create an emotional map just by pointing out its neighbourhoods,” Sala writes. She references the Sagrada Familia as the backdrop to her personal history rather than just a monument.
The editorial content also highlights the current creative scene. In addition, it includes profiles of emerging figures like designer Zoe Oms and composer Rita Payés. Moreover, it features a report on the city’s independent publishing sector. This renewed focus comes ahead of the upcoming 080 Barcelona Fashion event, which is relocating to a new venue.
Ultimately, this Vogue Barcelona special issue serves as a catalogue of the city’s cultural moment. It marks the beginning of its tenure as the World Capital of Architecture.
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