In Spain, shoppers can still expect to find locally produced garments and articles of extraordinary quality that are relatively affordable compared to international brands.
Perhaps more than many European metropolises, Madrid remains steeped in traditional handicraft. For visitors with an itch for shopping, the experience can be thrilling.
As interior designer — and global shopper — Michael Smith discovered: "Once you dive into handmade or bespoke Madrid there’s almost too much to consider,"" he said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles. "How do you want to break it down — by neighborhood? By street? By category?"
Mr. Smith, whose partner James Costos was the United States ambassador to Spain from 2013 to 2017, owns "many, many pairs" of custom Glent shoes and he said "It feels so old-guard but they’ll make you anything."