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.
Run by the brother and sister team of Cindy and Cristian Candamill, the brand has added several new styles to its collection, all the while displaying a keen eye for functionality and versatility
For Spring/Summer 2016, the duo looked to the tones of building materials seen across New York City construction sites for inspiration
The label's Truss tote (pictured left) continues to be its best-selling style
Many of the label's bags feature fine metal details, such as 14 carat rose gold fixtures and solid brass frames
The new Racer model (left) features snake-inspired brass tubing that was specially designed to express an elegant fluidity
The label's founders, Cindy and Cristian Candamill
INFORMATION
For more information, visit Candamill’s website
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