2 weeks Ago
In Puerto Vallarta, it’s very common to see people wearing white manta clothing. However, there’s something many people don’t know. The Mexican artist and designer Héctor Lomelí began producing high-quality manta clothing in Puerto Vallarta in the early 1980s when he opened Sucesos Boutique at the corner of Hidalgo and Libertad streets in El Centro.
Although his boutique was one of the few at the time to offer manta garments made from natural cotton, Lomelí already had a long history of exploring the unique qualities of iconic Mexican fabrics and creating garments with this traditional textile since the late 1960s. Over time, manta boutiques became popular in the region as visitors were drawn to this charming fabric used to create lightweight, summer-friendly clothing with a distinct Mexican style. As other similar establishments opened, Lomelí faced the challenge of taking his collection to a new level to keep his clothing line unique and unmatched.
He envisioned a new concept and began hand-painting the fabric of the garments he created. Since 1997, Sucesos has developed an exclusive, abstract collection aimed at women who enjoy wearing elegant clothing. Inspired by the colors of the sea and nature, it includes lightweight caftans, shawls, blouses, tunics, and pants in a variety of colors and combinations that emulate the tones of watercolor paintings.
“Sucesos is focused on women who like to create their own style; our line doesn’t follow a global trend, and each fabric is used to make only a few pieces,” says Andrea Márquez, manager of Sucesos Boutique. Today, decorated manta clothing has become a worldwide fashion for coastal areas and especially in Puerto Vallarta, which serves as a window to the world. Decorated manta clothing is a popular choice in Puerto Vallarta, especially in the fall.
This type of garment blends perfectly with the region’s climate and lifestyle. While temperatures start to drop slightly in autumn, it remains warm compared to other areas, and manta, as a lightweight, breathable material, allows people to dress comfortably without suffering from the heat. Additionally, decorated manta clothing has an artisanal appeal that resonates with the bohemian and artistic vibe of Puerto Vallarta.
As these garments are often hand-decorated, with unique embroidery or other details, each piece becomes a small work of art, highlighting Mexico’s cultural heritage. In fall, it’s common to see a variety of manta blouses, dresses, and pants, often adorned with floral motifs or indigenous patterns, which enriches personal style and celebrates Mexican identity. It’s also worth noting that decorated manta clothing is highly sought after by tourists visiting the city during this season.
For them, manta represents an authentic keepsake of their experience in Mexico, as well as being comfortable and easy to wear, whether by the beach or on walks along the malecón. Decorated manta clothing is not only a practical, cool choice; it has also become an essential part of Puerto Vallarta’s cultural style, reflecting art, tradition, and creativity each season, especially in the fall..
