Madrid has long been considered a fashion capital of Europe, but even so, the Spanish metropolis is stunningly underappreciated within the fashion girl community. Editors fawn over Paris for its curated vintage, London for its traditionally punky vibe, Copenhagen for its whimsical Scandinavian aesthetic, and Iceland for its quality knits—too often leaving Madrid out of the conversation. I’m sorry to admit that I, myself, was part of the problem, until a recent trip to the Capital city changed my entire perspective.
Though I was in town on Official Editor Business™, touring the Luxury Collection’s Madrid properties Santo Mauro and The Palace, my itinerary was tailored to perfection, with shopping at the forefront. Santo Mauro’s infinitely knowledgeable concierge had pre-scheduled me for a visit to Europe’s largest department store, El Corte Inglés. The hotel offers guests insider access to the luxury mecca via an elite partnership, wherein they can get the full Pretty Woman experience (the fashion aspect, that is) via a private team of experienced image consultants. The service is designed to help tourists optimize their shopping experience and avoid wasting previous vacation time perusing the seven-story, 1,800,000 sq. ft. behemoth.
Kelsey Stiegman
Kelsey Stiegman
Santo Mauro coordinated my transportation (black car service, naturally) and, upon my arrival, a representative of El Corte Inglés greeted me at the gleaming front doors. Immediately, I was whisked off to my own slice of shopping heaven. Given that I was flying in from New York City, the team assigned Irina Paz, the Head of Americas, as my contact. Paz specializes in US shopping habits, however, if I had been traveling from the Middle East, Europe, UK, Asia, Southeast Asia, or India, I would have been matched with an in-house expert for said region.
Anyone can book the experience for a cool 300 euros, however, guests who do so through a travel agency or hotel—like Santo Mauro or The Palace, for example—are serviced free of charge. Shoppers are treated to a makeover of sorts within the retailer’s exclusive VIP lounge. The 90-minute appointment includes a style consultation, in-house VAT refund services (up to 15.7 percent, the highest in Europe), a 10 percent discount card, personal shopping services, and color analysis testing (the likes of which are all over TikTok), as well as access to private in-store makeup, hair styling, and fashion seminars.
I entered my own experience with a fair amount of skepticism, having undergone both color imagery tests and personal styling services at various fashion events throughout the years. This one, however, would prove to be the best I’ve had in my decade-long career. Paz’s color reading was the most accurate I’ve experienced, effectively changing the way I view chromatism in my wardrobe (devastatingly, black is not my color). She also pulled items she thought would speak to my personal aesthetic. As a full-time fashion editor with very unique tastes, I’m notoriously difficult to shop for—so much so that career stylists even have trouble nailing down my vibe. But Paz captured my specific aesthetic almost to a T, supplying me with leopard print dresses, barrel-leg jeans, chunky silver jewelry (despite my Warm Spring diagnosis), and sleek Coperni handbags.
Kelsey Stiegman
After a luxurious afternoon exploring Madrid’s sprawling designer shops, it was time for me to relocate to Santo Mauro’s sister location: The Palace, which would be my home base for the rest of the trip. Though the two locations differ greatly in aesthetic—the former a deliciously Victorian-inspired boutique hotel frequented by the Beckhams and Obamas and the latter, a grand resort located in the heart of Madrid—both offer travelers the same private shopping experience through El Corte Inglés. The Palace, however, takes fashion tourism one step farther.
Teaming up with the Asociación Creadores de Moda de España (translation: the Spanish Fashion Designers Association), otherwise known as ACME, The Palace aims to connect travelers directly with the local fashion scene in Madrid. Through this exclusive partnership—which first launched in October—fashion-minded guests are matched with a member of ACME, who will personally escort them on a three-hour guided tour of some of Spain’s 46 best local boutiques and ateliers.
Upon booking, guides curate a collection of Spanish-based brands which reflect each shopper’s unique style. Given the eclectic mix of editors I was traveling with, our tour consisted of three locations: Acromatyx, Palomo Spain, and Suma Cruz. Acromatyx, our first stop, was so deeply in-line with my personal style, I almost impulsively swiped my card on a one-of-a-kind bespoke jacket, before coming to my senses (a missed opportunity that will haunt me for the rest of my days).
Kelsey Stiegman
Kelsey Stiegman
After that, we visited the private, in-house showroom of Palomo Spain. The high-end brand specializes in ornate evening wear and ethereal dramatics has been worn by Ariana Grande, Rosalia, Beyoncé, and Miley Cyrus. Our final visit was to fine jewelry label Suma Cruz’s workshop and office. Susana Cruz, the brand’s designer and founder, introduced us to her whimsical, nature-inspired creations and the inspiration behind them. The group loved Cruz’s pieces so much, one of our crew even ended up taking home what will soon become her wedding necklace—the highest honor a fashion girl can bestow.
Like the El Corte Inglés experience, this tour gives foreigners a crash-course in Spanish style, offering a comprehensive shopping experience, expedited—in order to fit a limited stay. Though anyone can book a general meet-and-greet with ACME designers, the customized, guided tour is only available through The Palace. Take it from me: It’s an experience you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.
