Candela’s Spring 2013 collection channeled playful yet romantic feelings while cleverly incorporating bohemian and western touches.  “That feeling one has when they fall in love.  That innocence—very simple, very childlike,” said designer Gabriela Perezutti of the inspiration.  She continued, “there are pieces of the collection that really come from my background.  Like that tunic.”  The tunic in particular, which she said is one of her favorites from the collection, is an embroidered cotton gauze piece with a sentimental touch—the embroidery is replicated from hand embroidery her grandmother did when she was a child (it can also be found on a pair of shoes). 

Looking to her childhood for inspiration is no new feat for Perezutti; Gaucho influences are often seen in Candela pieces and reflect her Uruguayan ranching upbringing.  This time around westerly spirit surfaced in button downs, full length tiered dresses and skirts, pleated wide leg pants and details; such as a pony, whimsically embroidered on the back of a military jacket.  But, back to the romance: lace, ruffles and pintuck details were bountiful.  Some pieces, such as the Victorian blouse and the Gatsby-worthy hand beaded dress, looked to the past but in a free-spirited way: the blouse was cropped and the dress was paired with a cable knit sweater (which featured a lace back, nonetheless).  Playing on the vintage feel of the collection, the color palette was mostly neutral—ivory, ‘antique tan,’ champagne, white—and featured bold pops of color, such as red and navy, all tied together nicely by flower prints.  As for the shoes, they were mostly masculine inspired—loafers, oxfords, boots—and added a nice contrast to the femininity of the clothing.

We absolutely adored this collection and judging by the 'oohs and ahhs' of the other onlookers, we weren’t the only ones.