the atelier
A room on Cedros where cloth becomes one thing.
Carla cuts and sews here. There is a rail of pieces that exist once, a table of cloth, and a chair for you. Nothing is made in quantity; most things are made for someone.
Book an appointmenthow a piece is made
Cloth first. Then the body. Then the cut.
- 1
The cloth
A bolt of vintage lamé, a length of silk, a piece of lace from a dress that had stopped being worn. The material usually suggests the piece.
- 2
The body
Draped on the form, or on you. Carla works by eye and by hand rather than from a standard block.
- 3
The cut
One garment, cut once. Offcuts become trims, linings, a smaller piece.
- 4
The finish
Hand-finished seams, closures and hems, made to last and to be repaired.
materials
Silk, linen, lamé — and cloth with a previous life.
“I believe in creating garments that are meant to last, often incorporating beautiful reclaimed and vintage materials into my work.” Sustainability here is not a label; it is the reason a piece exists once.
styling
“What I love most isn’t simply selling clothes — it’s styling my clients and helping them discover pieces that truly reflect who they are.”
Carla Manuel
An hour with Carla and the rail, by appointment. Bring what you own and love; leave with a clearer wardrobe and, often, one piece you did not expect.
Book a styling hourQuestions
Anything else — kitesbycarlamanuel@gmail.com, or a message on Instagram.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, most days. Carla works in the atelier and sees clients by appointment so there is time to try things on properly. Open-door days are announced on Instagram.
Can a one-of-a-kind piece be altered to fit me?
Usually. Most pieces can be taken in, let out a little, shortened or have straps adjusted at the atelier. Ask before you reserve and Carla will tell you what is possible.
Do you make pieces to order?
Yes. Named styles can be made in your size, and anything from a blouse to a wedding gown can be commissioned. Allow four to twelve weeks depending on the piece.
What does styling at the atelier involve?
An hour or two with Carla and the rail: what you own, what you need, what suits the way you live. It often ends with fewer, better pieces.
Where does the cloth come from?
Silks and linens bought in small quantities, vintage bolts of lamé and lace, and reclaimed cloth — sometimes from garments people were about to discard. Nothing is made in quantity.
Do you ship?
Pieces ship insured and tracked within the United States and abroad. Commissions and gowns need at least two fittings in person.