Monday, August 22, 2011

Where to Buy a Mantilla

Madrid - lovely selection of mantillas seen here and there in local shops.

7 comments:

  1. That one is a cheap one yet is better than nothing. You also need a "peineta" usually made of carey tortoiseshell susbtitute (plastic) to hold it up. It is not that easy to wear it and it is usually a second person is required to help setting it up. There is also a dress code to it all (when and what colour to wear).

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  2. Did you get one for your beautiful new bride?

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  3. Please, what is the dress code? THanks - amr

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  4. Dear Maria, I hope this link answers your questions about how to wear the mantilla, it is both in english and in spanish. It is more or less correct but I would have to speak to my mother and grandmother to be completely sure

    http://gloriacallealta.blogspot.com/2010/03/la-mantilla-espanola.html

    and you will find a video in:
    http://www.protocolo.org/social/vestuario_imagen_y_estilo/como_ponerse_la_mantilla_vestir_la_mantilla.html#bloqueTrailer

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  5. Also forgot to mention that Mantillas in Easter week, should cover the forehead on Holy Easter Thursday and Easter Friday and later uncover the forehead pulling them aback towards the front of the "peineta" showing the hair. It was also custom that "mantillas" and "peinetas" where property that could not be seized (in a property embargo).

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  6. I don't know if it is obvious, but you have to gather your hair in a chignon or bun at the back of your head and insert the "peineta" and achieve a firm fitting. It must be firm enough to withstand the leverage the mantilla can cause.
    When it comes to material Chantilly lace are usually the best material, it has good quality, it is not as heavy, pricey or presumptuos as the "blonda" (blond lace of mixed matt and glossy silk twine) yet it is delicate, light and elegant; "tul" (tulle)is the lightest and poor quality (not recommended). You have to hold the mantilla with discrete hairpins to the peineta and it can also be wise to add two pins to hold it onto the shoulders, making sure you also leave room for head movement (in case there is wind).
    Make sure, by pinching it in the middle of the front border, that both front edges fall down to the same height along your body.

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  7. To Gines DeBuitrago - Thank you for the link to the article, the video, and all of your wonderful advice. God bless you! +JMJ+ amr

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