Shop's history

The company opened in 1815 concretely in Hospital Street in the district of The Raval in Barcelona. The founder was Jaume Antonés whose family was Italian. At that time the work in the company was based in the making of bowler hats and top hats very common at that time. A few years latter, in 1856 the first shop was opened in the old building of the hospital de la Santa Creu. At that time the shop was named "Tomàs Antonés". Next, besides national brands they sold a great selection of "Borsalino" hats.

At that time the hat was indispensable clothing. Everybody used hats therefore it was said in Catalan "Tants caps, tants barrets" something such as "as many hats as heads".

Barcelona had some important urban changes and the shop changed location in 1917. Then, the Antonès family opened the shop in the present setting in Fontanella Street. At that time the shop was named MIL.

Since then the shop is still opened following the last demands. Apart from that, many artists and politics had visited our shop. Also, we have provided the Liceu theatre and the Palau de la Musica and many theatre companies.

The management of the shop has been always in hands of Jaume and Tomàs Antonès; later Joan Arnau Toma´s step son directed the shop until the current generation, under Nuria Arnau's leadership.

Also, the year 2006 "La Cambra de Comerç, Industria I Navegaciò de Barcelona" gave an important award to the shop because of its 150 years of history and professionalism. Today, the shop has been adapted to the last fashionable tendencies. Our philosophy is the quality and service for all customers.