Fashion Pulse Daily had the opportunity to chat with the amazing design duo behind Candela NYC, Natalia Kuks-Jacobs and Gabriela Perezutti-Isacson. Read on to find out more about one of our favorite new brands!

FPD: Candela appears to have practically become a success overnight; what was it like starting out and then so rapidly acquiring a strong international presence of 200 + stores? And, what does the name ‘Candela’ mean?
C: It is very exciting to have a brand that was liked since the first time we showed our collection. Candela is the Latin word Candle which is a unit for measuring the intensity of light. Also, in Argentina & Uruguay, Candela can be used as a proper female name. In the Caribbean island there is a saying “que me den Candela”  when you are dancing. It is also a word that is associated with warmth, color, light.

FPD: Candela is a collaboration of two designers (Natalia Kuks-Jacobs and Gabriela Perezutti-Isacson); how did you two meet? And how did you decide to create a fashion line together?
C: We met thru a very close friend in 1997. When Natalia moved to New York shortly thereafter we decided to start a collection together and the rest is history.

FPD: How do you define ‘style’?
C: Style involves everything from the way you dress, your mannerisms, expressions, how you conduct yourself, and how you connect with others.

FPD: What are three pieces a girl cannot live without?
C: A great pair of Candela flats boots that can pass the test of time, when the leather is of high quality- the more they are used the better they will look.

A Candela classic leather jacket that you can dress up or dress down.  They are always the “Editor’s Pick” on Shopbop.com and keep selling out.

A silk chiffon dress that can be paired with a chunky Candela sweater or leather jacket with flat boots, or for night with a pair of heels.

FPD: It must be so thrilling to see celebrities in your clothes; who has worn Candela so far, and do you have a favorite celebrity that you would love to see your clothes on?
Kate Hudson, Fergie, Ciara, Rihanna etc… Uma Thurman would be a celebrity we would love to dress.

FPD: Candela is very much influenced by your backgrounds/interests in Argentina and Uruguay correct? Can you elaborate on that for a bit?
C: Buenos Aires is a very beautiful city, it looks like a European city but with the care free attitude of South America.  In Uruguay you grow up surrounded by nature’s beauty. There is a specific aesthetic that evolves when you involve nature, horses and  ranching.  We are drawn to big belts,  strong boots,  long lasting materials. Growing up in South America and now living in New York brings a very unique point of view.

FPD: If you can name one signature; a particular item, a cut, a fabrication, that is uniquely Candela and distinctive, what would it be?
C: Boots, OTK we have been doing them since Fall 07 and they are a huge trend now, the same as with men inspired Taylor shoes, that we have been designing since Spring 2007.

FPD: What are the three must-have pieces from the SS10 collection?
C: Only 3? Paco dress in short & long,  Tulle short dress, Lace Taylor shoe, buckle heel bootie!

FPD: Candela launched a shoe collection in 2006; do you see Candela expanding into other accessories and brand extensions soon?
C: For now we are focusing in a complete RTW and shoe collection but we can see bags, belts, and other accessories coming to play in the near future.

FPD: Where do you plan on opening your first store, and how will you make your online presence uniquely reflect the brand?
C: We are opening our first e-commerce store in early 2010. We will then discuss opening our first retail store in NY.

-Jaimie Sanita

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