gowns
Couture gowns, made in Solana Beach for San Diego evenings.
Red carpet, gala, prom, mother of the bride. Every gown begins at the atelier with a conversation and a length of cloth, and takes shape over fittings.
red carpet and gala
For the evening you will be photographed.
A gown cut to your body and the room you are walking into. Lamé, silk satin, velvet, sequins — fabrics with light in them.
Enquire
prom
A first gown that is nobody else's.
Made with you, over a few fittings in spring. Colours you will not find on a rack, and a dress you will keep.
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mother of the bride
Elegant, unhurried, entirely yours.
Something that honours the day without borrowing from it. Silk, linen, a jacket if you want one; comfortable from ceremony to last dance.
Enquirehow a gown is made
Cloth, body, cut, finish.
- 1
Conversation
The occasion, the room, how you like to move. Bring photographs, or nothing at all.
- 2
Cloth
Chosen together from the atelier's stock — silks, lamé, lace, vintage bolts — or sourced for you.
- 3
Toile and fittings
A first shape in muslin, then two or three fittings in the real cloth as the gown takes form.
- 4
Finishing
Hand-finished hems, closures and linings. Ready for the date, with a fitting the week before.
Allow eight to twelve weeks for a gown; more at prom and gala season. Prices are quoted after the first conversation.
Write to kitesbycarlamanuel@gmail.com, or send a message on Instagram, and Carla will reply with a first appointment.