SUMMER RITUALS
With Barbara Shilova
Introducing the next muse in our Summer Rituals series, Barcelona-based creative Barbara Shilova. Discover her daily rituals, favourite summer pastimes, and her curated POSSE edit below.
Talk us through your morning routine.
I am the type of person who never skips breakfast and likes to start the day with a shower, light make-up and a proper meal. Sometimes I could do a 30 min Jjivamukti Yoga session before. Afterwards, I usually go to get a coffee in one of my favourite places.
How does your daily rhythm shift in the summertime?
Since it's very hot, it is not easy to move around the city during the day sometimes, so most meetings and outside activities are postponed to early morning or evening time. I like to take cold drinks and spend time at the beach.
Do you have a go-to summer uniform or signature piece/s you always return to?
Yes! White dress that does not restrict movements, allows my body to feel the air and to ride the bike, as this is my main transport in Barcelona.
Do you have particular rituals or environments you immerse yourself in to foster a creative mindset?
I like to drink black coffee or tea when I work at home and listen to lo-fi music. And, of course, I spend a lot of time on Pinterest, creating different boards and collecting ideas and inspiration. I have two accounts there - one for my business and one for personal exploration.
What does a “productive” day look like for you? Are there certain techniques you use to stay focused?
Ideally, for me, a productive day would be the one where I manage to have time to work deeply for a few hours, grab a coffee in one of my fav places, find time for self-care (going to gym or yoga class), spend quality time with my daughter and enjoy friends and family. I feel like everything is connected, and 'resting' is part of 'creating'.
What are your most cherished spots in Barcelona for:
A morning coffee - My top spots in my neighbourhood: Nomad (@nomadcoffee), Casa Taos (@casa.taos), Three Marks (@threemarkscoffee), Bricks (@bricks.bcn)
A long, leisurely lunch - Baldomero (@baldomerobcn), one of the most aesthetic and atmospheric lunch place in the city.
A sunset aperitif - I like Natural wine, sharing some of my favourite bars: Canvas Nous (@canvis.nous), Amateur (@amateur.bar), Tiberi (@tiberi.bar)
A spontaneous alfresco dinner - I love when it happens spontaneously at my place. Friends are coming over; we are cutting some cheese and chorizo, opening a jar with olives, preparing a big fresh vegetable salad and talking about everything.
