Spain from A to Z

In Spain, you’ll find your favourite purchases.

present seasonal creations by Spanish fashion designers. The distinctive style of Ibizan or Mediterranean fashion has enjoyed great success, along with the resulting industrial boom. The craftsmanship of ornamental fabrics bearing a Moorish influence lends to the great value of the magnificent embroidery, needlework and lace-making from Lagartera (Toledo), the beautiful bobbin lace from Almagro (Ciudad Real), the fine lace of Camariñas (Galicia) and many other forms of artisan work. Other noble materials such as glass and wood have also found a prominent place in Spanish handicrafts. The glass factory in La Granja (Segovia) still produces wonderful glasswork, and the glassware from Cadalso (Madrid), Cuenca, Orense,

Castril and María (Granada) and Mataró (Barcelona) are highly valued by collectors. Woodwork, both figurines and religious carvings, as well as products from the furniture industry, have an important place among Spanish products and are mainly produced on the coast of the Levant, Castile and northern Spain. Other artistic endeavours include damascene ware ( damasquinado ) from Toledo, based on a centuries- old technique of inlaying and products from the steel industry (Albacete, Toledo), where the weapons forged are world- famous. SHOPPING Shopping in Spain yields top brands, international designers and luxury, trendy, creative, traditional or folk fashion,

exclusive companies and large fashion chains. Many cities are home to well-known designer boutiques, large shopping areas and modern, attractive models. Stores and shops often remain open until late in the evening. Madrid is the showcase of a thousand styles, where glamorous and alternative fashion strike a balance. On the Golden Mile in the Salamanca district of Madrid, with streets like Serrano and Ortega y Gasset, you will find the most famous Spanish and international luxury brands. On Calle Fuencarral you will find the unique Mercado de San Ildefonso shopping centre and other original shops. On Sundays you can visit the Rastro , a street market in the heart of the city.