Calla Spring 2014: ’90s nostalgia gets a couture quality boost with 26 looks perfect for sun, sand and Californian surf

by Nancy Won October 10, 2013

See the Calla Spring 2014 collection »

Sun, sand and ‘90s surfer babes were the retro cool inspiration for the Calla Spring 2014 collection at day one of The Shows in Toronto. Models in beach-friendly digs, from neon coral frocks with chunky scuba zippers to Body Glove-esque swimsuits with sexy scooped backs, walked down the runway to the cheerful, appropriately laid back Beach Boys tunes. Crop tops, skater dresses and wild-style baseball caps added a whiff of Venice Beach skateboard culture to the Californian surf aesthetic. Our favourite looks saw slouchy pullovers paired with feminine skirts, either short and sweet or full with couture-like cuts.

As always with designer Calla Haynes‘ collections, prints and fabrics were highlights. Alcantara—an ultra luxe, ultra thin Italian fabric—appeared on a flirty frock, slouchy board shorts and an oversized moto-inspired jacket. Customized with a watery Japanese calligraphy print and crinkled to create a casual well-worn effect, Haynes called the print “Shonan” after the famous Japanese surf town. Meanwhile, we saw paper tweeds (created by Malhia Kent, the French mill that produces haute couture tweeds for Chanel) in a structured boho poncho that calls to mind the beach bum style of Australian surf brand Kuta Lines, and in a crop top and high-waisted skirt combo worthy of Cher Horowitz. Long live ‘90s nostalgia!