OCCUPATION: Co-founder and PR Director of Smallwhite, designer and founder of jewelry line TO BE continued…
MY STYLE: I love to mix up all the items in my closet. My style really depends on my mood, so I change it up all the time. Some things that I can’t live without are men’s jackets (I wear a lot of my father’s). My home is also a mixture of different styles. I love art, and have been collecting photos, paintings, and little objects from all over the world for many years. One of my favorites is a drawing by painter Secundino Fernández. I also adore a mirror that I have from Colombian artist Luz Angela Lizarazo. Everything she makes is delicate, so I’m a big fan of her work. I also have classic furniture (family heritage) and modern tables. But all the pieces evoke memories from other times and places in my life.
I LOVE MADRID BECAUSE: The city is incredibly full of life, parks, museums, theaters, etc. But what I really think is great in the city is the light and the sky. It gives you so much energy that it makes you feel alive!
PEZ
This beautifully curated store is geared towards the modern city woman, with selections from brands like Anna Sui, Humanoid, and Les Prairies de Paris. Once an old military space, PEZ has been renovated to better suit its current incarnation, but careful measures have been taken to preserve the essence of its historical past. “It’s a fantastic place to see,” says Belen Fernández Vega.
Ten Con Ten
Ten Con Ten is one of the hottest spots in Madrid. It’s unique interior is at once comforting and bold, just like its food, which is inventive yet familiar. Whether you want a cocktail made by world-renowned bartenders or indulge in a several course dinner, Ten Con Ten’s friendly staff makes you feel welcomed. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the desserts—the Tarta de Manzana is a customer favorite.
Reina Sofia
The most famous piece in this 20th century art museum (named after Queen Sofia of Spain) has to be Pablo Picasso’s famous mural, “Guernica.” Though the museum is mainly dedicated to Spanish art, you can also find works by Man Ray, Richard Serra, Damien Hirst, and Julian Schnabel.
Tiger
“Tiger is a new shop all over Madrid,” says Belen Fernández Vega of the Danish, 120-store-wide chain. “You can find a variety of artistic toys ot let children’s imaginations fly.” In addition to cute, quirky kids stuff, adults will find equally fun items for the home and office, plus makeup and party favors.
Taquería Mi Ciudad
For delicious, authentic tacos, look no further than Taquería Mi Ciudad. “This is my favorite taco place,” says Belen Fernandez Vega. “I bring the girls here for quesadillas with huitlachoche, tacos pastor, and a tamarind juice.” And with most small dishes at €1.50 apiece, you can afford to try the entire menu!
Zapatucos
Owned by sisters Ana and Cristina del Cerro, this shoe shop carries everything from the basics (Converse) to specialty shoes (velvet hand-sewn Mary Janes). “I’m usually fighting to get my daughters dressed and fed in the mornings,” says Belen Fernandez Vega. “They have uniforms at school, so they only get to choose their shows. I always buy their favorites at Zapatucos.”
El Corte Inglés
There are super stores and then there are Super Stores. El Corte Inglés is Spain’s largest department store, selling everything from electronics and gourmet groceries to furniture and vacation packages. The flagship store, on Calle de Raimundo Fernandez Villaverde, holds an especially impressive collection of designer fashion labels: Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci among them.
Magasand
Sometimes you just want a sandwich, and that’s when you go to Magasand. A wide assortment of salads and fresh juices make this spot a healthy dining choice too. Bonus: While munching on your sandwich, you can brush up on the latest styles by flipping through the wide assortment of international fashion magazines that Magasand keeps on hand for its customers.