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Bizkaia Dmoda the shop of curiosities and unusual objects of Bilbao that fascinates Bibiana Fernández and Lola Herrera

Bizkaia Dmoda the shop of curiosities and unusual objects of Bilbao that fascinates Bibiana Fernández and Lola Herrera

VIRGINIA MELCHOR

Just by looking at the window, one already imagines that he is in front of a different store. The butterfly stickers that decorate the window or the flower box with flowers of all colors contrast with the big head with a clown face or the terrifying masks displayed next to the sign of this unique business. And that is the magic of Almoneda Campos, a charming little place located at number 1 Calle Ávila, very close to the Labayru Market. A business with character that was born eighteen years ago in front of the Teatro Campos, but which today continues to be largely unknown to many people. "People still come in asking me for an appointment so that I can write their cards, I tell you that at the moment I don't read the future," jokes Iñaki, one of the owners, a kind and authentic man who welcomes Bizkaia Dmoda with his characteristic high bow and a beautiful tiara that brides in Pakistan wear on their wedding day and that he wears as a necklace. And that is how special is everything that can be found in his antiques and vintage furniture store: «It is a very eclectic store, very much to our taste, pure fantasy. I would define it as Bilbao's cabinet of curiosities and unusual objects».

LUIS ANGEL GOMEZ

There, customers come across all kinds of objects, mainly from the 50s, 60s and 70s. From porcelain dolls, mirrors, "very crazy brought from Paris" bags or costume jewelery to industrial furniture, a small selection of 'vintage' clothes or old big heads made in Olot by Juguetes Hernández. A wonderful potpourri that reflects the personality, tastes and philosophy of life of its owners, Iñaki and Carlos. "We only sell things we like because otherwise we wouldn't know how to sell them," they say. Of course, there is so much of everything in this peculiar and diverse universe that it is possible that the client does not know very well where to look. "It is a store that must be assimilated, it is not to come in a hurry, because something always escapes your eye," says Iñaki. Its collection of lamps stands out, from the mythical 'Pipistrello' by Gae Aulenti, to the Italian Murano glass ceiling lamp by Mazzega or a German design in the shape of the Haribo gummy bear that "was sold in El Corte Inglés 20 years ago ». «Many people who have 'vintage' shops buy lamps from flea markets in the south of France, we bring them from Germany, Italy, Denmark... everywhere. The secret is to sell a product that nobody has and at a good price”, says Carlos.

LUIS ANGEL GOMEZ

Bizkaia Dmoda Curiosities and objects shop unusual objects in Bilbao that fascinates Bibiana Fernández and Lola Herrera

These two partners form the perfect tandem and their passions complement each other. Iñaki is a specialist in restoring and making up old mannequins. «All the ones you see have been made by me, we bring the best from Europe. Look, this mannequin is the only survivor of Galerías Preciados!", he says while proudly pointing to this unique piece that he has embellished by putting eye shadow, lipstick and even some false eyelashes. Carlos, for his part, is an expert in manufacturing and restoring lamps. The same thing does a lamp with an old gumball vending machine, a planter from the 70s that was in the savings banks and even with the legs of a mannequin. Only he knows how to give light and a new life to almost any item imaginable.

luis angel gomez

In this “cabinet of curiosities and unusual objects”, as Iñaki calls it, there was a time when they had even stranger items. "I bought nine death masks and some beautiful breasts from the 1920s with which I made a lamp from a friend, who acquired an abandoned natural sciences museum in Montevideo. Everything was sold very quickly," he recalls. They also marketed two funeral wreaths with black feathers from the Victorian era that did not sell: "I have them on at home, I love them, they are very sadly beautiful." Even its famous mannequins, from the best international firms, have starred in some anecdote. «Once I prepared a mannequin with fine lingerie for a client that he wanted to put in the living room. But he asked me to take the whole piece, so I had to put it in the car with the mischief on. There are many people who decorate their house with mannequins, you would be surprised ».

LUIS ANGEL GOMEZ

Fernández, Loles León or Millán Salcedo, from 'Tuesday and Thirteen'. «I sold several mannequins to Lola Herrera that we sent to her house in Madrid. And also brooches, she loved them 'bathtub size', as she told us. He bought us manila shawls, bags... and the red hat that he wore on his last visit to 'Sálvame Deluxe' is also from here”, says Iñaki, who remembers the interpreter with special affection. He sold a pair of wigs to Loles León: "She always wears them, they look like movies on her." And to Bibiana Fernández, “a lot of things”, from “huge bracelets from the 70s to a French lamp from the 50s”. Eva, the singer of the Amaral group, "a wonderful aunt", came in one Saturday morning and took "two precious 'vintage' dresses." And the designer Lorenzo Caprile, who "appeared one day when it was almost closing, left the store in love with haute couture flowers and a divine hat with ostrich feathers."

LUIS ANGEL GOMEZ

"Going down to the ''showroom'' is an experience"

If his store at street level is peculiar, his ''showroom'', installed in the basement, houses a fantasy world in which the client never ceases to be surprised. This space is a way of life, it is cultural, musical knowledge, icons. It's inspiration. "An unusual thing in Bilbao, something that no one expects, it is surprising," says Iñaki. Going down there means going back in time, going to find ancient 'treasures', feeling a bit of nostalgia. "The other day some girls came in asking for some dining room chairs, I showed them the 'showroom' and they told me that it had been quite an experience," he says.

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In this unique place, full of objects from the past, you can find everything from the typical flamenco dolls from Marín that were placed on the television or cardboard heads, to ship fire extinguishers, tin Coca Cola signs or a phone booth from the 70s. «Look, this helmet from 'A Clockwork Orange' is a super rare piece, it turns into a TV when you open it, and it works, huh? And these legs that you see here are going to Barcelona, ​​for a girl who makes lamps with mannequins”, he points out. If Pedro Almodóvar knew this place and Iñaki, genius and figure... he would have plenty of inspiration for his next film. "Some directors came the other day and they fell in love, they want to do a 'performance' here and a photo session with a model."

LUIS ANGEL GOMEZ

The covid kept tourists away from Bilbao - "they appreciated our store" - and now many of their sales are made through their Instagram profile. "My partner runs it, I don't know how it works, I don't have that culture at my age, but I know that it is an essential channel," she admits. Iñaki feels like a "lifelong shopkeeper", he needs contact with his customers, empathize with them to advise them better. «Some clients have come crying to me, from depression, and I have done a psychology session with them. I have dressed them, I have changed them, and they have come out telling me: 'I am another'. I like to put myself inside the person, that people leave happy and satisfied is what makes me feel fulfilled, ”he says. And before accompanying Bizkaia Dmoda to the door of this business that is as special as he is, he gives us news that leaves us with a bittersweet taste: «In a year and a half our contract at this place is up, I don't know if I will have the strength to raise another store or it will be the end of Almoneda Campos ». Luckily, those who are looking for an authentic place in times of rush still have time to find it.

Bilbao,Bizkaia,FashionTrends
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