From publicist to fashion designer
In 2005, at 28 years old and with a passion for color combinations, fabrics, and sewing by ear since childhood, I switched from advertising to a small 20m2 clothing store.
In 2010 I flew to Bangkok with the idea of creating my own brand.
That's how Manolita Faldotas was born. She made small collections with a seamstress in the tourist area of Kaosan. The creative process, learning the language, acquiring resources, and all the elements that made up the collection was exciting, fun, and enriching.
The project grew, including a change of store location. Then, after attending the Madrid International Fashion Show (MOMAD), the leap to wholesale began in spring 2015. Thailand was the origin of the color that defines the brand, the one-size-fits-all designs, the flowing, stretchy fabrics… the very essence of the designs. The most magical experience I've ever had, both professionally and personally. Full of challenges, effort, passion, setbacks, a few frustrated tears, and tireless perseverance… And all of it, from over thirteen thousand kilometers away, was a gift and a privilege. A bond I cherish to this day.
And then, prints came into my life. In a relentless pursuit of working with my own designs, I ventured to China and then Portugal. The company took off. Trade fairs, sales agents, the burgeoning online market, a wonderful, light-filled office, and most importantly: the team of four exceptional women who made it all possible. I am immensely grateful to them.
With the highest projected revenue peak in our history, and all orders about to be shipped to more than 100 points of sale throughout Spain, Italy and Portugal, on March 14, 2020, we were locked down… The first stage of Manolita ended, but not the last.
In 2022, I presented the brand's project to a garment factory in Valencia. Through a combination of natural chemistry and a series of coincidences that didn't go unnoticed, the new chapter of "Manolita 100% Made in Spain" began. It was a new and exciting experience for me, witnessing the process from the inside, appreciating and valuing the enormous amount of work and dedication behind a single garment. From pattern making, cutting, and sewing to the attention to detail, ironing, labeling, folding, and bagging of each and every piece.
Today, almost 20 years later, having gotten to know women, grown and matured alongside clients who remain loyal to us, accumulating pregnancy scars, changing curves, gaining weight, or losing skin firmness, Manolita continues to adapt to their realities, their changes, and different stages of life. All these years have been spent learning and observing what they want to conceal and what they want to reveal. Seeking comfort and a radiant glow that honors their bodies. That's why we say that at Manolita, we don't just design beautiful garments and scale them to fit all sizes; we think about all sizes and body types and design beautiful garments for them. This is the difference that wins over our clients.
This is a new world, far from the slavery of fashions and molds where women smile because they don't have to fit in where others do.
Free, beautiful, and the main characters. Just as they are. Just as they are. Unique.
Marian Boned
CEO and Founder of Manolita Faldotas