In the bag: Brooklyn label Candamill continues its winning streak
Breaking into the fashion world is tough business. Even the most promising young labels (and even established ones) have to overcome great odds before being considered as having 'made it'. Even then, the risks don’t end.
With these sentiments in mind, Wallpaper* recently caught up with Candamill, the year-old bag label from Brooklyn that we first introduced in January 2015. Impressed by its fusion of architectural shapes, fine metal hardware and luxuriously soft leather, we willingly handed over our stamp of approval to the brother and sister-run brand. In the last 12 months, Cindy and Cristian Candamill have swiftly added to their debut collection of three styles, all the while displaying a keen eye for functionality and versatility.
‘In the last year, we’ve embraced what we describe to be our "New Mid-Century Aesthetic",’ says Cindy. ‘We introduced the Racer – a style that’s based on a racer snake. The brass tubing chain references the fast and fluid movement of the snake, adding richness to the bag while it’s carried.’
‘We went through a very special process developing the hardware for this design,’ continues Cristian. ‘Every piece starts off in the form of raw extruded brass tubing that is cut, shaped, cleaned, polished and plated. We worked with the same craftsman who did the restoration of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Reworking the idea of hardware and combining it with talent outside of the accessory world brings a new feeling to the category.’
Not ones to be limited by the fashion world’s rigorous schedule, Candamill has continued to blaze its own trail without adhering to the rigidity of the retail industry’s buying calendar. ‘There’s strength in being small,’ the duo quip. ‘We’ve learnt that we don’t need to keep up with the industry’s speed in order to be successful.’
Whether its incorporating 14 carat rose gold in their designs, designing and making custom screws to beautifully join leather pieces together, or simply looking towards the tones of building materials on the many construction sites in New York City as inspiration, Candamill has yet to put a foot wrong.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit Candamill’s website
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Pei-Ru Keh is a former US Editor at Wallpaper*. Born and raised in Singapore, she has been a New Yorker since 2013. Pei-Ru held various titles at Wallpaper* between 2007 and 2023. She reports on design, tech, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle happenings in the United States, both in print and digitally. Pei-Ru took a key role in championing diversity and representation within Wallpaper's content pillars, actively seeking out stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children, and is currently learning how to drive.
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