A Fashion Designer’s Guide to Shopping in Majorca

Since launching her label, Búl, in 2010, Melbourne-based fashion designer Virginia Martin has used several foreign destinations as the inspiration for her crisp, tailored pieces, but it was a stint in Majorca as a teen that really put a stamp on her style. Martin, who spent a year on the Spanish island when she finished school, shares its most stylish shopping spots.

Virginia Martin on the Best Places to Shop in Majorca

Best for a designer splurge

The main shopping precinct I like to visit on Majorca is in the capital city of Palma. Strolling around the winding cobblestone streets, you’ll be spoilt for choice with designer stores such as Mulberry, Carolina Herrera and the popular Spanish boutique, Uterqüe.

Best for high-end wear

Visit Avenida Jaime 111 and Paseo del Borne in Palma where you’ll find sophisticated and contemporary boutiques like Loewe, the Majorca-born footwear store Camper, and for the little ones, the French Petit Bateau. Make sure you step away from the main streets and explore the adjoining narrow alleys because the boutiques there are just as tempting.

Best for vintage

Santa Maria del Camí holds a huge market at Consell every Sunday and there are loads of wonderful pieces. Meet local artists, stock up on handcrafted pottery, sift through vintage treasures and buy locally spun cloth. There’s also live music as you wander through the market.

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Best for accessories

Don’t leave Palma without popping into La Pecera. It’s a design store with traditional Majorcan crafts and the best espadrilles and handmade straw sombreros you’ll find on the island. It’s also a beautiful shop with a mid-century feel.

Best for jewellery

Relorjería Alemena is a must-see, not just for the unique jewellery and watches but for the incredible design of the stores. There are four on Majorca but the one located on Paseo del Borne, Palma, is my favourite. The flagship store, on Carrer de Colom (also in Palma), has been there for more than 135 years.

19 Paseo del Borne, Palma

Best for shoes

The town of Inca, known as the leather capital, has a shoemaking heritage that dates back centuries – and there are shoe workshops still thriving today. Thursday is market-day and the atmosphere is bustling, especially around the main square. You’ll find leather shoes, bags and jackets as well as lots of fresh food.

Best for homewares

There’s a great lifestyle shop called Rialto Living in Palma that’s like a mini department store. On a somewhat hidden street off Paseo del Borne, you’ll find 800 square metres of bespoke furnishings, interior decor, fashion and art. You can even create your own unique cushions, chair covers or table linen in the fabric of your choice with the help of the on-site seamstress. Everything at Rialto Living has been handpicked by Swedish design duo Klass Kall and Barbara Bergman who own the store. It’s incredible.

3 Carrer de Sant Feliu, Palma