The best concept stores in Madrid

Concept stores in Madrid have evolved from one-stop shopping breaks to a favoured adventure for those possessing a particular sensibility; unique item seekers inspired by a creative lifestyle. Indeed, from artisan housewares to edgy duds to curated treasures, these designer spaces are not your typical mom and pop convenience stores. In the Spanish capital, these fashionable shops are found in droves, in all themes and sizes, perfect for the stylish gent looking for that rare objet d’art or inventive image metamorphosis.

The secret to the style-centric Malasaña district’s undeniable charm is the winning combo of modern shops and venues alongside long-standing hipster hangouts. Enter one of the newest concept stores in Madrid, El Moderno; a white-bricked home décor space uniting the two worlds in an ah-ha moment of kismet. The ample space, featuring concrete floors, original columns and natural wood display stands, pays a homage to its grocery store origins by displaying original, centuries-old item menus on the exposed front door rafters. The airy store sells everything from artisan knick-knacks to jewellery, but specialises in unique decorations and details that compliment your home or at the very least, provide offbeat conversation pieces for your next soiree. Standout designers include lamps by Nordic co. Schneid, paper décor from the Japanese Traveler’s Company and handmade ceramics from Barcelona’s Working in the Woods.

Another Malasaña notable, this time at its beating heart, is one of the most popular concept stores in Madrid, Rughara, which specialises in truly unique fashions, accessories, furnishings, decorations and vinyl records – all showcasing local talent in a mishmash of aesthetics from minimalist to vintage punk. On Wednesday eves and Saturday mornings the space, with items haphazardly displayed on vintage tables, racks and on the stark walls, transforms into a music venue for underground artists or less frequently, an art gallery featuring the work of scouted painters, photographers and illustrators. Fashion brands include offbeat garbs from Revolution, Batabasta and Bow Hand Made, bizarre baubles from Blancharme, Komono and Kuraga and wacky décor created by Arte Marakame, Dooc and Marre Moerel among many others.

For visitors with a penchant for nostalgia, swing by the curiously-named Contigo alla fine del mondo (With you until the end of the world) bordering Malasaña and the classic Chamberi district. This modern, high-ceilinged space features whimsical décor, clothing, furnishings and housewares often adorned with storybook-inspired motifs and designs. Independent designers routinely showcased in one of the quirkiest concept stores in Madrid include textile companies La Casita de Wendy and Emes as well as dishware by Donna Wilson. Art mags like Kinfolk, Cereal and Milk are readily available as are a generous selection of inventive gifts. And for those enamoured with the colourfully cheery setting, several workshops run by Madrid-based locals, (including illustration, watercolours and sewing) are available every afternoon to duplicate the look and feel chez vous.