The veiled charm of the mantilla

Encarnación specialises in handmade veils and fans
She is renowned for crafting the mantilla, the traditional Spanish liturgical lace or silk veil
Queen Sofia of Spain and Queen Noor of Jordan are among her distinguished customers

Mantillas and veils, with variations in shapes and textures, are precious accessories in the Spanish tradition. Encarnación Berrio López started embroidering mantillas and veils in her mother's workshop when she was a young girl. In 1999, she opened her workshop in Granada to offer the unique pieces she and her family have been creating for decades, preserving the tradition of her ancestors for future generations. Over the decades of her career, Encarnación has become a reference in the world of mantillas. She has developed her own timeless style that royals in her country and abroad turn to. Often seen in Goya's paintings and Balenciaga's designs, veils continue to embody femininity today.

Encarnación Berrio López is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1971 and she started teaching in 2020

Discover her work

Discover her work

Abanico Floral

Bridal veil with garlands

Oriental fan

Hand-embroidered bridal veil

Black and silver fan

INTERVIEW

I started learning the craft with my mother in our family workshop in Granada. In those days, neither she nor the other artisans who worked with us were acknowledged as masters. There was no such concept or title. The most important lesson I remember was repairing damaged parts of mantillas and veils.

For decades in Granada, Spain, women have dedicated themselves to embroidering the Spanish mantilla, a garment worn as an accessory on special occasions such as religious masses, weddings and bullfights. On these occasions, the Manolas, the godmothers of the bullfighters, dress with mantillas, peinetas (decorative hair combs) and mantones (shawls). The mantilla is a symbol of our homeland.

It is a very traditional craft that does not allow for any kind of evolution. We create the final products with our hands according to traditional methods, using bands, hoops, rods, needles, thimbles, drawings on paper and thread alongside the raw tulle material.

It is a very demanding, meticulous craft that requires a lot of concentration, passion and hours of work. I would tell them to work with patience, passion and pride to carry on the tradition that characterises this craft.