Advertising in Managua, Nicaragua, can be hit-or-miss so I wasn’t quite sure what I’d find when I walked into Alter Eco, which bills itself as an alianza hecho a mano. This “alliance” is actually a cluster of artist shops and studios near the big art and antiques store Mama Delfina.
The displays and inventory would be at home in New York or London or Mexico City. Here are some of the treasures I discovered.

This charming clothing and accessories boutique has a Laura-Ashley-meets-Chanel vibe. Simple cotton and linen pieces kept to a pink, rust, and gray palette.

Visitors to the boutique are immediately drawn in by the charming wall decor featuring trees, birds and 3-D blossoms