It was 42 degrees Celsius in Milan and Como when this lookbook was photographed, a steamy 108 Fahrenheit. “Hair and makeup” wasn’t easy, said Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann, co-founder of the label (a situation New Yorkers in the middle of a weeklong heat wave can relate to), but Câllas’ new clothes for next spring kept stand. Scarf dressing is one of the foundations of the two-year-old brand; Usually there are shirts with souvenir prints: one season Naples, the other season Venice. This season, a printed silk twill slip dress was added to the mix; an adjustable drawstring on one hip gave it a sexy shape.
Customization is also fundamental at Câllas. A trouser suit in white linen viscose had sloppy, boyish proportions, and a more feminine, fitted model was made in cotton linen the color of pink carnations. For shirts to match the tailoring, there were cotton poplin button-downs in various stripes, some with origami flowers decorating the front. Trousers have become a specialty here, and the cropped, compact knit style in striking jewel tones seemed like bestsellers in the making. If avoiding wilting during next summer’s inevitable heat waves is a goal, the must-have of the collection is a fantastic-looking day dress in black and ecru Berber stripes with a series of buttons on one shoulder.
