Beneath the azure sky of “eternal spring,” the terracotta hues of Andalusia’s countryside blend seamlessly with the golden fringes of a matador’s jacket. Come 2025, amidst the heady fragrance of orange blossoms, one can once again feel the pride of a wandering hero, swaying to the nostalgic tunes of a Spanish guitar.
From Don Quixote, who wandered between reality and illusion, to the surrealist filmmaker Luis Buñuel, Spain’s distinctive artistic essence is vividly captured in the Brach Madrid hotel. It’s a fusion of dreams and reality, crafting an enchanting poetic experience. This vibrant energy is the heart and soul of Spain.
Few people are aware that the renowned “design genius” Philippe Starck is now 76 years old. Having traversed Spain on a motorcycle numerous times, Starck is intimately familiar with the country. In this latest venture, he takes on the role of a modern-day Cervantes in the design world. Employing contemporary design methods, he mirrors the inception of European modern literature by blending reality with imagination, joy with sorrow, precision with exaggeration, and even incorporates “stories within stories,” placing himself at the center of it all.
Spain’s essence is shaped by its historical contrasts: from El Greco during the Renaissance to Velázquez in the Baroque era, from Goya’s depictions of the Peninsular War to Dalí’s experiences during the Spanish Civil War, and of course, Picasso, a pioneer of modern art. Particularly noteworthy is how the people of Madrid rose up through the Movida movement in the 1980s after enduring Francisco Franco’s 36-year-long dictatorship!
Utilizing a sensitive and romantic imagination, the designer has brought back to life the memories of Gran Vía Avenue No. 20. Each space exudes a warm atmosphere essential for storytelling, with every detail and material carrying significance. The poetic nature of “contrast” not only avoids conflict but actually fosters harmony, creating a magnetically unified entity.
The Movida genre is characterized by artists who aim to “disrupt social norms and revive personal interests.” Renowned Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, known for his feminist themes, emerged from this movement. His film “The Next Room,” which won the Golden Lion at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, is a testament to his talent.
Madrid, often referred to as “El Foro” (meaning “The Forum”), has long been a hub for political, economic, and intellectual discourse in Spain. Consequently, Philippe Starck chose the globally renowned Movida—a counter-mainstream cultural movement that redefined Madrid—as the thematic backdrop for his restaurant.
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