October 13, 2020
La Muralla Roja: MLM Label x WallCandy
Wallcandy was commissioned to creative direct the fashion campaign for MLM. Our goal was to salute the label’s relaxed, modern and edgy vibe against the backdrop of one of Spain’s most insta-famous destinations. Perched on the rocky cliffs of Calpe in the Alicante region of Spain is La Muralla Roja. Designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, the fortress-like structure embodies freshness and vibrancy, like a generous slab of mouth-watering gelato rising from the turquoise and shimmering waters of the Mediterranean. It is a feast for the senses, a seaside Garden of Eden surrounded by orange trees laden with ripe fruit, releasing hints of citrus and bright, effervescent and upbeat notes.
When you arrive at the Muralla, what you will find is the artistic masterpiece of architect Ricardo Bofill (who also built the enticingly named ‘Xanadu’ not too far away), born in Argentina and one of Spain’s premier designers. He is famous for the perfect symmetry of his buildings (seen in stunning drone footage from the air), and his unconventional use of shape and colour built to merge seamlessly with urban cityscapes or natural topography.
A fairy-tale fantasy for adults, the castle sits at the edge of the sea and is cleverly segmented to allow for almost constant visibility of the horizon. The rooftop alone is not only a communal space, but features an incredible vantage point for lazy reclining or snapping the perfect picture. The interior itself is also impressive, with low cut outs framing islands that rise from the azure sea.
Despite its universal appeal (and the myriad of photos under #lamurallaroja) this is a unique apartment complex rented by locals, rather than a hotel. If you want to truly get the Muralla Roja experience – and enough photos to drip-feed to your followers over the coming weeks – rent an on-site room through AirBNB.
In low season, this can be as cheap as $120 USD per night.



Valencia: Eat, Drink & Play
Authentic local tapas
Bodega La Montana
A glowing oasis in the dark Spanish fishing district. This spot specialises in barrelled wine, oil-soaked anchovies with cheeses and rustic bread.
Aquarium & Architecture Lovers
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
The City of Arts and Sciences is an entertainment-based cultural and architectural complex in the city of Valencia, Spain. Experience their operatic rooms, planetarium and the largest aquarium in Europe!
Nightlife
Calle Caballeros, El Carmen
The area that is called El Carmen is renowned for being a place to head for bars, clubs and restaurants. Head to Calle Caballeros street where bars and clubs exist inside 15th-century mansions.
Shopping & Cafes
Ruzafa (aka Russafa) District
This happening neighbourhood has a local market, stylish cafés and independent boutiques. Things heat up after dusk when the bars start filling up.
