OUR STORY
The story of our company, began a long time ago, on the island of ibiza…so, I’ll try to make a long story short. Founders Jean-Claude Mesana and his wife Danielle, lived in Paris, worked in the cinema industry and were passionate about rock & fashion.
In 1973, attracted by a different way of life, they moved to Ibiza, and began to sell second hand at the first flea market on the island, Es Canar. A passion was born !
Jean-Claude & Danielle MESANA at the flea market “Es Cana” in Ibiza, 1973
Inspired by the craziness and multicultural creativity of the Ibiza people of the 70’s, they began to travel, and discovered the fascinating world of the recycling industry all over the world.Their first shop, ZAZOO, opens in Saint-Tropez in the 80’s, then, back to Paris, they oppened 5 stools at the “Marche Malik”, at the flea market of St Ouen.
In1983, based in Paris, they launched a wholesale company,JAPAN RAGS ltd, importing Japanese and American vintage, and lots of denim! With the excess and damaged stock of denim jeans, we start recycling and customizing. This is when I joined the adventure , and it became a family business!
We were invited by “le groupe des halles” to present our customized vintage collection at the fashion show in Paris, next to brands like Lolita Lempicka, Capucine Puerari, Kruger or Bensimon. We gained a lot of notoriety in the press and artistic circles, being pioneers in recycling ,and selling customized clothing.
For a decade, we wholesaled our vintage and customized jeans to the best fashion shops, Fred Segal in LA, Energy in Roma, Saks 5th Avenue in NY, Harrods of London, Le Printemps et les galleries Lafayette in Paris… among many others.
In 1988, we inaugurate Fripokilo, in front of beaubourg museum, being the first vintage shop in Europe selling by weight…. first but not last :)
In the mid 90’s, the family decided to go back to were it all began, and launched our actual company, Holala-ibiza.
Opened since more than 25 years,our little shop on the market place in IBIZA , is now a worldwide reference for vintage lovers, and a source of inspiration for many designers,well known by international figures of fashion and music.
Every summer, our faithful clientele (famous or not!) comes back , to discover our new selection and find unique vintage treasures, from the 40’s to the 90’s, carefully handpicked by our staff, from all over the world.
We oppened our first shop in BARCELONA in 2001 next to the Ramblas, in Calle Tallers, a little street famous then for the rock scene, with many records shops. Our long experience of vintage clothing, in Paris, Los Angeles and Ibiza made us the pioneers of vintage fashion in the Condal city. We were the first shop in Spain to offer a wide selection of American and European second hand, now joined by many other stores. In 20 years, this street turned into the vintage shopping Mecca of Barcelona!
In 2008, we launched a new project , HOLALA PLAZA, inspired by the creative streets of Barcelona. Next to the worldwide famous skater spot of MACBA museum , this 500 square meter space is dedicated to street cultures and street styles.We offer the largest selection in Europe of vintage clothing, accessories, as well as, furniture. We regularly collaborate with internationals and locals street artists, offering our walls for everchanging exhibitions and events. We also supply garments to celebrities, as well as, the film, television and advertising industries.
At Holala, we travel all over the world, from flea markets to recycling factories, carefully handpicking one of a kind vintage pieces.We dedicate our passion and experience, since 50 years, to offer you the best selection of genuine authentic vintage!
