SHOPPING IN MADRID: Biscuit

Uncategorized — By on May 1, 2009 12:00 am

 

Biscuit
Calle del Divino Pastor, 15
Telephone: 915 916 275
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. (Mon-Fri)
11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m. (Sat)
Metro: Tribunal,  Bilbao

Turning off the busy shopping street of Fuencarral onto the quieter Calle del Divino Pastor, you will find Biscuit, a charming gem of a boutique settled amongst the mustard- and rose-colored buildings of Malasaña. The store offers limited edition clothing and accessories with a distinct romantic and vintage style, geared towards the aesthetically conscious urban woman.

The whimsical ambience of Biscuit is instantly evident upon entering the very personal space of the shop, which is carefully decorated with vintage white vanities, chandeliers, lilac painted walls speckled with silver graffiti, and ornate mirrors. Alternative and pop music plays lightly in the background as you browse through the stock of hidden treasure. It takes time to explore the extensive collection of items: you will find handbags, costume jewelry, hats, ornate headbands, colorful scarves, flowered hairpins, sunglasses, fabric-covered notebooks, art, and more. These smaller articles make up the lower end of the price range (starting at 6 euros per hair pin and reaching up to 60 euros for a handbag), and make great gift picks.  

True indulgence comes as you run your fingers through the fine threads of the distinctive clothing. Biscuit—primarily selling loose feminine blouses, skirts, and naïve-style dresses in cotton and silk—presents romantic urban wear that stands out with unique cuts, a warm color palette, luxurious materials, bold patterns, and meticulous attention to detail. Think of a picnic-ready green plaid dress, adorned with two fabric roses from Nice Things (56 euro). Or a feminine, flattering blouse in floral print designed by Muka (42 euro). For a real splurge, turn to Rutzou, which makes a luxuriously draping silver evening dress (191 euro). The store’s philosophy is to make room for up-and-coming young designers, so these vintage-style pieces come from new and trendy fashion brands like Spain’s Muka and Nice Things, England’s muu: baa, and Scandinavia’s Rutzou. Head to Biscuit for an intimate shopping experience. You’ll find an array of delightful color and fabrics that are chic, alternative, romantic, and urban.

PRICES: Flowered hairpins- 6 euro.. Sunglasses- 10 euro. Vintage style earrings, hairpins, bracelets- 17-40 euro. Scarves- 19-32 euro. Fabric covered notebook- 29 euro. Handbags- 30-60 euro. Headbands- 40 euro. Clothing (blouses, skirts, dresses)- 30-200 euro.

 

By Jane Caffrey

 

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