When we focus on emerging labels, we do so with a sense of apprehension and anticipation. Apprehension that this new label might just be yet another clone of the dozens of emerging labels aping each other while trying to pass of this aping as originality. And anticipation that just maybe we might have stumbled on a diamond in the rough. Calithea, the new collection from Lagos based design label, Dammy’s Atelier gave us a heady mix of both.
The label’s new collection grecian name ‘Calithea’ immediately evokes the excellence and beauty of the artisans and fashion of that era. And Dammy’s Atelier reinforces that this in part was the inspiration behind their collection in their press release.
Calithea is inspired by the reflecting and distinctive essence of a woman befitting a goddess.The ethereal,yet daring mixture of supreme quality are recreated to feel modern in apparel.
This seems simply straight forward, until you ask what exactly the ‘distinctive essence of a woman befitting a goddess’ means. To Dammy’s Atelier it means viscose crepe, tulle and floral appliques. There is a lot of skin in this collection, offered as seductively as possible. Thigh high slits offer glimpses of skin, sweet heart necklines cover the bustline but leave the decolette exposed. Sheer embroidered fabric is worked into full skirs and layered under their more adventurous pieces. There is a hint of daring but not enough to sate the adventurous. It is all too safe, too expected, a little too prom meets debutante.
Calithea might not be for everyone, but it is a decent first.
PHOTO CREDITS
Models: @layo_hanson @mamazino
Photography: Concepticon Digitals @cdigitals
Instagram: @dammysatelier
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07031696955
