Covadonga and her story
My dear niece Marina was getting married. It wasn't just any wedding; it was THE WEDDING. And she was choosing to do it at the renowned Ritz Hotel in Madrid. As if there was any doubt about what I would wear.
Everyone knows that on special days, the weather forecast is doomed to fail. It's reckless to think you know the temperature. Plus, as you know, churches are always a bit chilly - even in the summer. I wanted a special garment. An impossible one. Something that had it all and nothing at the same time. Elegant yet understated, warm without overheating, and stylish without upstaging the wedding dress. In short, I was crazy. The classic Manila shawl, which I adore, seemed too familiar, too traditional, and too heavy. It wasn't an option. Neither was any other design that came to mind.
I had almost forgotten about it until my daughter mentioned it while working on a design:
"What a beautiful design! Who is it for?" she asked.
"For the Villamagna Hotel," I replied.
She paused for a moment and then spoke up:
"Mom, you spend your days designing luxury items for hotels, the royal family, and fashion brands. Why don't you make a shawl for yourself?"
I fell silent. She was right. And I had an adventure waiting for me - one I loved: the adventure of creation.
First, the design. I wanted flowers, but not the usual peonies. Something more vibrant, fresh, and daring. I sketched, discarded, and started again. I sent the silk to be printed with my friend Ignasi, and when I held the shawl in my hands, I thought: it's good, but will it be enough?
The day of the wedding arrived. And then something unexpected happened.
First, a friend asked: "What a beautiful shawl! Where did you get it?" Then another: "Hey, that's unique - I've never seen one like it." In total, around 10 people approached me to ask the same question. I went to bed that night feeling delighted.
The next morning, still processing the previous day's events, my phone rang. A friend asked me to make a shawl for her by request. What began as a simple experiment had sparked something bigger. Altermanila was born - an alternative to the traditional Manila shawl.
It wasn't immediate, but it was a serious project. I designed packaging, hired a stylist, and adjusted colors and designs... But when I saw the first completed collection, I knew it was all worth it. I then partnered with my son Arturo, who had successfully launched several digital projects, to take the brand online.
Today, Altermanila is more than just a brand. It's the evolution of the Manila shawl - lighter, more versatile, and more contemporary. It's a garment for women who want to make a statement. Our goal is to help you turn your special day into something even more special. Sometimes, a simple idea can change everything. For me, it certainly did.
Thank you for listening,
Covadonga Jaquete