Page 324 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

322  M ADRID

Fashion Meermin. For trainers or other are widely avail able, though
The Spanish chain stores Zara, budget buys, visit the shops sometimes the more colourful
Mango and Bimba y Lola along Calle de Fuencarral. The pieces are from Morocco.
have become international well-heeled will also want to A wide choice of ceramics can
phenomena, offering easy-to- check out the range of shoe be found at Cántaro, near the
wear clothes for women at very outlets in the Chueca area, Plaza de España. Well stocked
good prices. Zara also caters to along Calle Augusto Figueroa. in regional styles, the shop
men and children. Both stores Spain undoubtedly produces also carries so-called “extinct”
have branches all over the city. some of the best-quality leather ceramics – traditional styles
For upmarket fashion there are in the world. The ultimate in of pottery no longer regularly
many well-known Spanish bags and leather goes under produced. Many shops around
designers, such as Purificacion the prestigious label of Loewe, Puerta del Sol stock
Garcia, who have their own whose products are sold all over embroidered tablecloths and
shops in Madrid, mainly in the the world. Another impressive shawls, but be aware that the
elegant Salamanca district or (and perhaps more budget- authentic pieces can be quite
on the Calle de Jorge Juan. friendly) national brand is expensive. The Spanish firm
Those in favour of a more Salvador Bachiller, where PeSeta makes artisanal fabric
unusual or original look should you will discover quality leather goods in their atelier.
try Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada’s and exclusively designed In the Plaza Mayor, adjoining
creations (for kids and adults). bags, suit cases, wallets and the Arco de Cuchilleros, is
For high-quality designer other accessories. El Arco Artesanías, which
menswear, check out Roberto sells handmade modern
Verino, Custo Barcelona or Spanish crafts, such as pottery,
Adolfo Domínguez. These Jewellery glassware and ironwork.
shops also offer women’s In Calle Serrano and Gran Vía For unique household
clothes. Another popular, you will find both small shops, decorations made by local
reasonably priced Spanish chain stacked with trays of gold studs, and European designers,
store for men is Springfield. chains and bracelets, and grand, head to El Moderno.
At the top end of the market more exclusive jewellers. Man-
is the Loewe store for men, made “Majorica” pearls, as well Books and Music
where a silk tie with a Spanish as the cultivated variety, can be
art motif makes a stylish gift. found all over the city, including The giant French-owned FNAC
The lively Chueca and at the high-end department book and video store has an
Malasaña districts are the best store El Corte Inglés. extensive selection of books
places for the latest in street- The innovative Catalan and magazines in English and
wear, with offbeat local designers Tous on Calle Serrano is other languages, as do Machado
and second-hand shops on popular among the young for and the Casa del Libro. A little
almost every corner. Some its ubiquitous teddy-bear logo. further afield, Booksellers stocks
outlets also sell inter national If you are interested in original, English classics, though only a
brands at reduced prices. If your simple designs, visit the limited selection of new books.
taste runs to vintage, do not acclaimed jeweller Joaquín The second-hand bookstalls of
miss the quirky Magpie store. Berao on Calle Lagasca. His the Mercado del Libro near the
shop resembles an art gallery Parque del Retiro are good for
devoted to tastefully designed cheap paperbacks and, some-
Shoes and Leather Goods pieces. For Spanish designs, visit times, rare volumes. The libraries
Madrid is a haven for those with Aristocrazy and the beautiful of the Círculo de Bellas Artes
a shoe fetish. You will find every atelier of Andrés Gallardo. (see p327) and the Museo Reina
type of shoe here, from the Museum shops are also a Sofía (see pp302–3) have a great
traditional espadrille sold at good place to shop for designer collection of books as well. Art
Antigua Casa Crespo to the jewellery. Look out for original books can be found at one of
popular Majorcan Camper pieces from Verili, sold at the the best specialist art book-
shoes. Try Pretty Ballerinas for main museums in the city. shops, Gaudí, near Chueca.
beautiful ballerina shoes and Uno de 50 sells unique silver For all types of music, go
pumps, while for sophis tication, and leather jewellery. to the FNAC or one of the
opt for the elegant Farrutx. If El Corte Inglés branches, either
you are looking for trendy leather Crafts and Design in Calle de Preciados or Paseo
goods, head to Malababa. Make de la Castellana.
a trip to Bravo for some of the Traditional crafts such as For flamenco enthusiasts, the
best national and international woven baskets or embroi dered specialist El Flamenco Vive
labels. Chic shoes, sandals and linen are hard to find in Madrid store on Calle del Conde de
handbags with an innovative and those that are available Lemos stocks a fantastic range
touch are available at Cristina often tend to be Asian of flamenco kit, including the
Castañer. For a classical look, imports. However, lovely widest selection of books,
try Carmina or the Majorcan and inexpensive ceramics guitars and CDs in the world.

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