Since the late 1980s Devota & Lomba has been creating attractive and elegant Spanish fashions for the capital. (The Argentine half of the duo, Jose Luis Devota, actually passed away in 1993 but the brand is still led by Spaniard Modesto Lomba.) At the firm's Salamanca shop on Calle de Castello, which was Devota & Lomba's first, you will find a range of women's and men's clothing and accessories, as well as a line of beautiful wedding dresses and groom's attire, for which they are well known. In case you're in the market, they also do some pretty first communion dresses.
Recommended for Clothing Stores because: Devota & Lomba is a classic for unique but elegant Spanish fashion.
Local Expert tip: Even if you aren't getting married, it's worth checking out their pretty wedding dresses.
This Galician designer's stores have become ubiquitous in Spain and his beautifully cut clothes are the mainstays of many a forty-something's wardrobe. He is best known for wonderful suits made in classic lines, soft neutral palettes and flattering cuts. His high quality materials stand the test of time, and are easily mixed and matched. For younger shoppers, the newer Linea U line has markedly fresher and funkier designs. It's aimed at streetwise twenty- to thirty-year-old urbanites: expect plenty of gently quirky footwear, denim and asymmetrical skirts with interesting prints. METRO: Nu?ez de Balboa
Recommended for Clothing Stores because: Adolfo Dominguez is a classic, well-regarded Spanish clothing brand.
Local Expert tip: Adolfo Domínguez does the elegant-casual look particularly well.
Clothes don't get any more bold and colorful than these fun designs from one of Spain's most distinctive and famous designers. Most successful in the children's arena, and more recently, in homeware, this wacky redheaded designer has been going since the eighties and has become Spain's answer to Zandra Rhodes. Typically simple cuts and designs often are emblazoned with her trademark of a single childish heart or flower. Agatha's designs come in bright pink, green, blue and yellow: no subdued palettes of grey and beige can be found here. A new branch has just opened on Calle Serrano. METRO: Rubén Darío
Recommended for Clothing Stores because: The Spanish designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada has made a trademark of color and whimsical clothing.
Local Expert tip: Lots of bright colors!
Playground is a fun, hip store that sells men's casual and athletic shoes from brands like Nike, Fred Perry, Hummel, Le Coq Sportif, Vans, Converse, Reebok and New Balance in a wide variety of colors. While the store isn't that big, it has two floors and besides shoes, Playground sells streetwear accessories, backpacks and headphones. Playground is also known for its friendly clerks. The store is located just off Gran Vía and in the happening Chueca neighborhood. After shopping, you will probably be tempted to head out for dinner and drinks. If you can't make it to the store though, Playground also sells their shoes online.
Recommended for Clothing Stores because: The Playground shop captures the hip, funky, sporty side of Madrid.
Mercado Fuencarral is a good place to make your wardrobe more interesting. The centrally located Mercado is a hip alternative mall filled with dozens of clothing shops, some of them from independent designers. The shops tend to carry more unique items than you'd find elsewhere, including a number of stores dedicated to fashion subcultures such as goth, hip-hop and pin-up. A metal staircase connects the three floors of shopping. (I actually bought some of my favorite dresses at the Mercado Fuencarral.) If shopping gets too tiring though, head downstairs for a drink at Bar Sofa Club, where they have free Wi-Fi.
Recommended for Clothing Stores because: You will always find something you didn't know you needed!
Local Expert tip: It's located on a pedestrian street.
Inspired by romance and the best of vintage clothing, Biscuit is a sweet boutique for women's clothing and accessories. It's hard to put my finger on, but to me it also has a faintly French innocent schoolgirl style (but definitely not the naughty kind). Antique furniture doubles as display space and gives the store a bit of homey charm. The clothing at Biscuit is from brands like La Casita de Wendy, Muka (the owner's brand), Nice Things, Lily Ann and Rützou. They also have an original selection of pretty earrings, headbands, necklaces, brooches, cell phone charms and other girly accessories.
Recommended for Clothing Stores because: Biscuit is a beautiful little shop filled with romantic local clothing.
Local Expert tip: Biscuit is tucked a half a block away from the Fuencarral street shopping area.
With outlets all over the city, this Barcelona-based fashion chain is one of the big guns on the Spanish high street. Styles are modern and change monthly with looks coming straight off the catwalk and onto the shelves. Prices are not rock bottom, but still very affordable, particularly for the basics range. Mango adorns Spanish ladies from all walks of life, from teenagers to businesswomen. The ranges include accessories, gym gear, shoes, bags, beachwear, formal wear, office clothes and a particularly strong selection of glam evening gowns. METRO: Plaza Espa�a
Recommended for Clothing Stores because: Mango clothing embodies the more sophisticated but still cool Spanish aesthetic.
Local Expert tip: You can shop online too.
