“MENINA”, a wicker dress-sculpture created by Candelas y Felipa in collaboration with artisan Juan Manuel Marcilla of Cestería Marcilla, was named first runner-up in the in the category of design applied to craftsmanship in the 2026 Castilla-La Mancha Regional Craftsmanship Awards, The awards, which acknowledge the region’s innovation and the cultural value of artisanal trades, were presented in Toledo within the Farcama framework.
The piece is part of EL ALCÁZAR, the Haute Artisanal collection that the firm unveiled in March at OMODA Madrid es Moda. “MENINA” translates traditional basket-weaving techniques into three-dimensional dress volumes; its construction evokes, in an abstract style, the silhouette of the Menina from Velázquez’s famous painting.
Since then, the dress has also been showcased at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week and featured on the cover of the June print issue of HOLA Fashion. The award honors the collaboration between the brand and Marcilla, highlighting the creative direction Candelas y Felipa have pursued since 2010, one focused on artisanal trades to ensure continuity across generations.
