Visit Edie Hats and you will find, tucked in among the hats and gloves, draped here and there, a gorgeous selection of silk hand-embroidered shawls from Spain. This is evidence of Edie’s passion for flamenco, and she has been importing these beautiful Mantons de Manila for many years directly from Seville.

An elaborate manton on display in Seville

Originally made in China, mantons arrived in Spain in the sixteenth century via merchant galleons carrying precious cargo to the Andalusian port of Cadiz.  Spanish trade routes included an obligatory stop at the port of Manila in the Philippines (then a Spanish colony) from which the Manton de Manila got its name, and came to Cadiz only after a trip along the coasts of South America and Mexico.

At first mantons were used both for household decoration and as an elegant accessory for aristocratic women.  Over time, the traditional silk embroidery patterns lost some of their Chinese motifs and grew to favour the birds, butterflies and large roses that characterized Spanish tastes.

Edie and her favourite manton in Spain

Edie has her own favourite manton that she’s taken on plenty of travels because it is so versatile and beautiful. She uses it to dress up with, to stay warm in, and to make impersonal hotel rooms more inviting.

Edie's manton decorating her apartment in Seville

Grab a manton and throw it around your shoulders to go to dinner, or roll it up in your purse in case it gets cold in the evening. The manton is a wonderful accessory for voluptuous women as it celebrates the curves of a woman’s body. It imparts an instant grace and elegance to any outfit.

The range of colours and textures – like the possibilities for wearing them – is almost unlimited. Visit us at Granville Island to experience the romance and elegance of these beautiful mantons.

Tags: Accessories, Edie Hats, Flamenco, manton, manton de manila, Spain, Spanish shawls, Vancouver