Made once,
by hand.
One-of-a-kind pieces, couture gowns and small collections, cut and sewn on Cedros Avenue.
cloth
Silk, linen, lamé — and cloth with a previous life.
The atelier“I love transforming beautiful reclaimed, vintage, or unexpected materials into something extraordinary — sometimes from things most people would overlook or even discard.”
Carla Manuel
the pieces
Each exists once.
Solana Beach, autumn 2016 — by candlelight
Candlelight
A runway lit by candles. Jewel-tone silks, gold and silver lamé, velvet and lace — and a finale of ivory gowns.
All 29 looks
bridal
A gown that begins with a conversation.
Custom wedding dresses, made over a season of fittings. Silk, lace, heirloom cloth if you have it.
Bridal
the atelier
By appointment, on Cedros.
348 S Cedros Ave, Suite A, Solana Beach. Open-door days are announced on Instagram, and a message there is the quickest way in.
the designer
Born in Brazil, where her grandmother taught her to sew. Designing in San Diego for twenty-five years — and since 2017, on Cedros.
Carla Manuelpress
SD Voyager, August 2026
Rising Stars: Meet Carla Manuel of San Diego
Ranch & Coast Magazine, June 2017
Lift Off — Kites, Cedros Design District
@kitesbycarlamanuel
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