Creators by tradition

The Barrio de las Letras district, whose renowned past residents include Miguel Cervantes, Góngora, Quevedo and Lope de Vega and which was home to the city’s first courtyard comedy theatres, has not lost its creative instinct. In the heart of Madrid, west of the Paseo del Prado, its historical streets also display fragments of the classics and is today home to independent artists and businesses with personality as well.

Natural inspiration: Andrés Gallardo

The designers Andrés Gallardo and Marina Casal opened their shop in the Barrio de las Letras district in mid-2018. Along with flowers and rabbits – ever-present in Andrés Gallardo’s collections – this season, insects make their debut.

Made to measure: The Concrete Co.

In October 2018, Fernando García de la Calera moved the Concrete Co. shop and studio from Malasaña to the Barrio de las Letras. Here, Spain’s first denim tailor makes 100 per cent handcrafted garments of predominantly denim using traditional tailoring techniques. Along with his made-to-measure jeans, his ready-to-wear collection gives off a strongly exclusive vibe.

Tradition: Real Fábrica Española

After six years of an online shop, Rocío Muñoz found a former printshop on Calle Cervantes, which was perfect for her project, Real Fábrica Española. The establishment opened just last May and offers traditional Spanish brands. There are also products from well-known artisans and places, such as pottery from Úbeda (Jaén) and glass from Gordiola (Mallorca), and a section dedicated to gastronomy.

Madrid: also a luxury destination

Various business and luxury companies, such as Bulgari, Chanel, Dior and Jimmy Choo, have joined together to create the Madrid Luxury District association. Its main goal is to promote the excellence and exclusivity of Madrid’s shops and boutiques and to make the José Ortega y Gasset area a landmark in international shopping tourism.

The area will also be the stage for big fashion, cultural, culinary and sports events, making this part of the city a can’t-miss destination.