Upon first glimpse of the Candela Spring/Summer 2012 show (through the double doors as the security guards tried desperately to cool the models in the stuffy “Box” studio), I knew it would be one to remember. Cool jungle-rap beats were thumping the small space, and the first model I saw was posed in front of some tropical plants, gardening tool in hand. Oh, and of course she had on a cute pair of lacy shorts and a great orange button-down.
A presentation in “the Box” at Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is unlike any other. It’s almost interactive in the way that photographers and viewers alike can go right up close to the models, even posing them as they wish. The models did a great job too, making eye contact with as many camera lenses as were pointed at them.
But I know why you’re really here—to hear about the clothes! Candela designer Gabriela Perezutti really delivered this year, creating looks that were, in her words (summarized) “timeless and accessible—for any girls to wear.” The looks were simple and on-trend (lots of blue & orange, some of Fall 2011’s hottest colors), but still managed to capture a feeling of something fresh, modern, and creative. Some standout looks included:
+ a white, crochet-embellished dress paired with a green anorak jacket, as seen on the most stunningly intense of the group of models
+ a pair of bold yellow shorts with a sheer navy top and oversized arrow pendant
+ a shift dress covered in an intricate maze of colorful cord
+ a long cobalt halter dress paired with the “IT shoe” of fall, taupe ankle booties
The collection as a whole didn’t speak strongly to a particular season—the pieces could be great right now (seriously, I wished I could snag a few off the models) for transitional dressing; and they’ll be great come April when it’s not yet warm enough to go outside in a bikini and a crop-top. (Only joking, who does that?) The designs fall on the side of modesty, but in the best way possible—hints of sheer and the length of the shorts keep things playful and young. And the shoes! To die for. The styling was perfect for 20-somethings, but paired with other pieces, the separates could work for women even past the point of “middle-aged.” Well done, Candela.
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by Heather (headbandit)
