Bluelow

Madrid, like most big cities, has its share of pickpockets, and tourists are a favourite target. Holding your phone in your hand or keeping it in your back pocket is a risk - but a phone case on a cord or chain worn across the body solves the problem and looks like a proper accessory in the process.

That's exactly what Bluelow makes: beautiful fabric crossbody phone cases, sewn in Madrid workshops - nothing to do with Chinese mass market.

The brand started in 2018, when marketing professional Tatiana Escruseria and her partner Guillermo created something that simply didn't exist in Spain at the time: a phone case on a cord or chain you could wear on your wrist or across the shoulder as a bold accessory. Since then, the brand's motto has been "Alegría in the details".

The core of the range is straplets - a term coined by Bluelow, combining "strap" and "bracelet". These are modular strap-bracelets you can wear three different ways: as a long crossbody strap with a chain, as a plain crossbody strap, or as a chain bracelet. They attach to the case and let you change up your look just by rearranging the parts. Cases and fabric straps - plain or in a variety of prints - are also sold separately, so you can mix and match however you like.

Then there are the fabric bags: drawstring sachet bags, envelope clutches, tote bags and Japanese-style models - each made in a run of no more than ten pieces. And there are some genuinely cool fabric laptop sleeves with a lining and inner pocket.

Everything is hand-sewn in Madrid from exclusive fabrics with distinctive prints, and the colour and print combinations change from collection to collection.

The Bluelow flagship store is in the centre of Madrid, a three-minute walk from Chueca metro, surrounded by independent boutiques, small galleries and cafés. Tatiana herself or her sister Natalia is almost always there, so you have a real chance to meet the founders in person - which is not exactly standard practice in Madrid retail. Pick up a bag or case as a practical souvenir or a gift for someone back home. And whatever you choose, people will keep asking you where you got it.