Spain is a country filled with fashion; it is the home of many noted designers such as Adolfo Dominguez, Manolo Blahnik, in addition to birthing the brand Zara. The country plays host to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Show as well as Madrid Fashion Week. When asking young women on the streets of Madrid their favorite patterns often I received responses such as “Me gusta el estampado floral” (“I like floral prints”), like local resident Maria, 21, mentioned on the busy streets of Gran Via. Fashion trends in Madrid during the summer include but are not limited to, floral patterns, ruffles, rompers, long dresses and bright solid colors to truly make yourself stand out in the crowded streets. I observed while out on Gran Via it is noted with international brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Urban Decay, and Sephora.
A local resident checking out her selfie photograph in her summer trendy dress, the color and print of dress goes perfect with Madrid trend | Greer Wilson
While most Madrid residents are fans of established European brands such as Zara, H&M, Mango, and Pull & Bear, I have selected five of the best kept “secret” fashion boutiques that are trendy yet affordable. With seemingly endless boutiques amongst many in Madrid it’s hard to distinguish what sets apart other businesses in comparison to the next. The selected boutiques stay true to Madrid trends and are located in various parts of the city that will add versatility and originality to your wardrobe. Lastly, also to note, “Rebajas” is a festive great word to look out for while shopping because the store is having a sale! Take advantage of season sales boutiques and stores have this time of year in order to save more euros.
Amores Eternos
The outside of Amores Eternos, which decade reflects more of your style? | Greer Wilson
Amores Eternos, (“Eternal love”) provides clothing that you will truly eternally love and treasure. This store is distinctive amongst other Vintage shops due to the fact that it specifically sells vintage clothing from the 1940’s -1980s. To the left of the store upon entering, there is a section devoted to the 60’s and 70’s filled with distinct patterns and colors that reflect modern Madrid trends today. Christina, the boutique owner, says, “The clothes of the 70s are the most popular because the style of clothing of that era was more feminine. Most customers who enter the boutique are looking for more feminity.” This boutique would certainly be the right fit for you if you are looking to add unique dresses to your wardrobe collection to show off your femininity.
Ioli
Colors of the rainbow, the assortment of color fabrics inside of Ioli | Greer Wilson
Ioli, located in Malasaña, is a quaint business that creates handmade accessories. Upon entering the shop the atmosphere is similar to that of American designer Kate Spade: filled with an assortment of bright colors, eccentric patterns and sequins inside. However the owner Cynthia Avioli creates exceptional accessories ranging from shoes, hats, scarves and other items. Avioli keeps a record of the items she makes so no replicas will be made imitating your item of choice. This is a great store not only to create an exclusive accessory to complete your trendy summer Madrid look, but also as a commemorative keepsake of your experience abroad.
AG – 25
Clothes speak for themselves: This dynamic designed romper easily makes a statement in the crowd | Greer Wilson
This stylish yet affordable boutique easily compares to various mainstream brands. This contemporary bohemian store sells an assortment of items that include shorts, dresses, tank tops and more. The store had gorgeous crisp white tanks, in addition to bright colored dresses and shorts ready for the beach. AG-25’s most noted charm and appeal is its reasonable pricing ranging from 9-59 euros.
Bendita Tentacion
This boutique at first glance is just one of many in Malasaña however the real charm is found once entering inside, where I found the owner in the midst of creating a headpiece accessory. This headpiece featured colors with a feather added on the side, perfect for any semi formal occasion. This shop includes a wide arrange of accessories in addition to few clothing items such as dresses and tops that easily reflect fashion on the streets of Madrid.
Zielo
Zielo! | Greer Wilson
Zielo, near the Diego de Leon exit, offers a wide arrange of items from clothing items to accessories undoubtedly never leaving the customer in need to find a particular item. The clothing reflected current summer trends such as solid colored dresses varying from long to short, T-shirts with a dynamic design juxtaposed against vivid colors, and lastly accessories to complete the look. With it’s affordable pricing ranging from 9-29 euros; Zielo is truly one of the best-kept secrets here in Madrid.
Fact Box:
Amores Eternos
Monday to Friday: 11:00 – 15:00 / 17:00 – 21:00, Saturdays: 11:00 – 21:00, Sundays: Closed *
Santa Bárbara Street 9, 28004 Madrid
Metro: Court
Ioli
Monday to Friday 11:30-3pm/ 5:30 to 9:00pm, closed Saturday and Sunday.
Calle del Espiritu Santo, 1, 28004 Madrid – Spain
AG-25 Madrid
Monday to Friday: 11:00 – 3:00pm / 5:00- 9:00pm, Saturdays: 11:00 – 21:00, Sundays: Closed
Calle de Fuencarral, 27, 28004 Madrid
Bendita Tentacion
M-F :11-3:00pm / 5:00-9:00pm
Calle del Espíritu Santo, 30, 28004 Madrid
Zielo
M-F: 11-3:00pm/ 5:00-9:00
Av. de Europa, 26B, 28224 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid