Bridal Collection

In the mid-1980s, Manolo co-founded a bridal wear company whose gowns reached Saks Fifth Avenue, specialty boutiques, and the pages of Bride’s Magazine and Elegant Bride. The work was unmistakably his: layered silk chiffons that moved like water, Chantilly lace draped over charmeuse slips, and ombré gowns in soft pinks and lilacs. His crystal bouquets, handcrafted from hundreds of aurora borealis crystals set on wire stems, became coveted pieces sold through bridal catalogs nationwide.Yet commercial constraints proved limiting. As fashion editor Amy Spindler noted, “The real you will never be happy inside factory constraints.” Manolo soon dissolved the business and returned to custom work.

Selected pieces from this collection are available upon request.