CLASSIC, WITH A LATIN EDGE
Carmella
Growing up in Connecticut, Katheryn Rice, with her grandmother Carmella, often watched films from the 1930s and 1940s. The two rarely discussed the films’ plots. Instead, they typically found themselves talking about the costumes.
Fast forward to 2006. After working as a model in Europe, Rice moved to Los Angeles, where she made a lot of friends from Latin America, and she started brainstorming on how the classic Hollywood costumes worn by Carole Lombard and Ingrid Bergman would look with a Latin edge. Rice found her answer in her first fashion line, Carmella, which was named after her grandmother.
After a soft debut in 2011, Carmella took a formal bow with its Spring/Summer 2014 season. The fashion line has been picked up by retailers such as e-boutique ShopBop and leading Los Angeles boutique Bleu. Rice, a self-taught designer, said her first line would walk a tightrope between risqué and stylish but sensible. “I was playing with ideas that are more daring and elegant,” she said, “but also what was acceptable at daytime.”
The 37 pieces in the Los Angeles–made line are mostly composed of silk and lace. Some significant looks include the “Emeline” dress, which features a deep V neck and knot buttons going down the front. There’s also the “Simona,” which has a blouson bodice and a pleated skirt. The pearl-colored garment also features lace appliqués.
The “Swara” wrap skirt has a front tie and two side slits. The “Elicia” pant also features side slits, which give it a gentle wave movement when the wearer walks.
Wholesale price points for the line range from $70 to $332. For more information, visit www.shopcarmella.net or contact Marilyn Rodriguez of the Room showroom at marilyn@room.io.
