After several days in Madrid exploring the sights and styles, I decided to dedicate a day to disovering male fashion in Madrid. Speaking to tourists and locals alike, I found that perhaps I had been underestimating the importance of style to men. From nonchalant, off-hand daily looks, to prepped and polished suits I spent hours immersed in Madrid’s menswear.
THE LONDON EFFECT
From left to right: Humza, Yasin, Husnain, Hamza | Sidra Imtiaz
Initially, I approached a quartet of young men from London and asked to speak to them about fashion. After assuring me that they had gone on Vogue Fashion’s Night Out and questioning whether I was going to make them all models, they posed for a group photo. Their styles mirrored one another, bomber jackets over basic tees and faded blue jeans, paired with sneakers. Humza wore a khaki jacket, which matched his dark Chelsea boots, giving the outfit a smarter, more upmarket look. Topman employee, Yasin opted for all black – not common amongst male tourists but sophisticated and a refreshing change from printed shorts and Hollister tees! Husnain accessorised his outfit with a snapback – perhaps a more typically British fad but giving his look a cooler, fun edge. And finally, Hamza had selected a longer, looser white tee – with his sunglasses slung over the neck, his laid-back look is the most casual, informally stylish. The four Geography students informed me that they most often shop at Zara, Topman and online store, ASOS.
CASUALLY CHIC
Following this, I decided to hit Calle de Serrano and delve into the luxury designer menswear. I spoke to a male sales advisor at an upmarket store and asked him about his personal shopping preferences, and he directed me to Dolce & Gabbana, stating it was perfect for casualwear. So with this in mind, I headed there and was definitely not disappointed. I was drawn to printed bomber jackets, almost tapestry like with their swirls of velvet. D&G showcased brightly coloured sneakers, backpacks and endless t-shirts covered in quotes. It was utterly hip, pulling out every stop to look unintentionally fashionable.
GLAMOUR AT GUCCI
Gucci Mannequin | Sidra Imtiaz
From Gabbana to Gucci, I immediately saw the contrast between the two. Gucci’s ‘casual’ was painfully elegant – tailored blazers over shiny brogue type shoes and button down shirts. The collection of ties and smart shirts was endless, and a sales advisor assured me that those on display were just a small percentage of the collection. Everything from the belts to the boots was chic and lavish – Gucci was ideal for the refined man, graceful and cultured.
Gucci Ties | Sidra Imtiaz
Despite my interest in fashion, I had always overlooked menswear assuming it just wasn’t as interesting – after all, men hate shopping, right? Wrong. What shop do you think is best for menswear? Which style from this article is your favourite? Let me know by tweeting @RoosterGNN or @sidraimtiaz_ using the hashtag #Glamour