Winter in bloom with Calla at Avenue 32
In the depths of winter when the days are icy and brief, we’re on the hunt for things that will provide us with comforting relief from the cold weather blues. Whether it’s a chai latte or being swathed in our favourite scarf, we’re all about staying cosy and cheerful. However, knitwear and hot beverages don’t always cut the mustard and we need a little sartorial boost. Fortunately for us, the lovely people at Avenue 32 are just a click away, ready to provide a style pick-me-up and this year, we can’t get enough of the winter florals from Calla.
The Calla Haynes’ Paris based label has been providing laid back luxury since 2010, with a strong emphasis on beautiful prints and easy tailoring. The Autumn/Winter 13 collection draws on gaming references; The Legend of Zelda and Tetris are juxtaposed with pretty colours and chic shapes. We love the riotous optimism of the Tetris tweed cropped jacket, merrily woven in pastel yellows and pinks. This piece works beautifully over a fine grey knit, and will retain its sunny charm come springtime. What could be more cheering than playful childhood nostalgia intertwined with some serious fashion credentials?
The pieces that are really getting our hearts racing are Calla’s darkly sophisticated winter floral prints. The midnight blue background garlanded with fuchsia petals, lackadaisically scattered with happy abandon down the sweep of the floral twist gown makes us swoon. We’re head over heels for the floral silk pyjama trousers styled with the purple silk panel jumper, all in the same print. Worn with high top sneakers and a varsity jacket, this would be a killer day look. Pair with sky-high pumps and a smoke eye for a daring Christmas party outfit – what a way to make a feminine and contemporary statement in a sea of tawdry sequins.
We love Calla’s unashamed femininity combined with irreverent references; they quench our thirst for all things girly as well as allowing us to flex our sartorial muscles. Watching the growth of an exciting and original brand is always a joy, especially when the clothes are simultaneously pretty and edgy. These are pieces for creative women who aren’t afraid to stand up and be counted.
Avenue 32 is a perfect place to house the exuberant beauty of Calla. In fact the site is a one-stop-shop for designers that are both cutting edge and wearable. The compilation impressive – both established and up and coming designers are amongst the selection. Although the breadth of the curated brands is wide, all the designers have one thing in common – aching coolness. Whenever we’re on the lookout for an under the radar label to add edge to our wardrobes we head to our favourite online boutique. Originality is a rare commodity in this homogenous world, but we know we can always find it at Avenue 32.
