Yesterday afternoon, the Assouline publishing house’s space in El Corte Inglés de Castellana was filled with light, art and glamour for the presentation of Madrid Chic, a book by Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz that explores the essence of Madrid in all its splendour. The work, which forms part of Assouline’s famous Chic series, offers an up-close and personal vision of the city, and stands for the energy, generosity and vitality that characterise the Spanish capital.
At an event packed with personalities from the world of culture, art and politics, such as the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, and designer Roberto Torretta, along with his wife, the public had the opportunity to learn more about the history and process behind this captivating work. Also present were other guests such as Pedro Trapote, Gabriel Suárez and the architect Diego Gronda among many others.
Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz, writer and art curator, shared how the idea of creating Madrid Chic came from trying to show the world what made Madrid unique: its people, its history and, above all, that golden light that bathes the city. ‘If life were a city, it would be Madrid, a city in which living becomes contagious’, said the author, highlighting the human scale of the city and its capacity to welcome all those who visit it. For her, the ‘chic’ of Madrid is not that of the great capitals like Paris, but that of a city that thrives on the joy and generosity of its people, a ‘heritage of meeting friends’ that is reflected in every corner of the capital.
Photographs by ©-Nacho-Borrella
One of the highlights of Madrid Chic are the stunning photographs by photographer and sculptor Oliver Pilcher, who has a unique eye for capturing the purest essence of Madrid through his lens. Pilcher’s images not only document the city, but invite readers to immerse themselves in its vibrant energy, from the streets to the palaces to the monuments and, of course, the pulsating nightlife in the heart of Madrid.
A book that pays tribute to the places, people and stories that make up Madrid. Among the figures featured in its pages are icons such as Pedro Almodóvar, Baroness Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza, architects Pascua Ortega and Lorenzo Castillo, and chefs Quique da Costa and Eugenia Martínez, among many others. All of them offer a window into Madrid life through their stories and anecdotes, and each of them is a fundamental piece of the mosaic that shapes this city.
Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz , deeply thanked the generosity of all those who participated in this book, ‘the generous Madrid is also in its people, and that is why I feel so fortunate to have been able to count on their support’.
In this sense, Madrid Chic becomes a collective work that reflects the open and hospitable spirit of Madrid, a place where the stories of friends intertwine and life is lived with intensity. ‘Madrid is a city where tuesdays become fridays when they kiss you,’ said Cristina Carrillo, quoting a song by Ketama. And just like the city itself, Madrid Chic is full of vibrant moments and a special magic.
