New York City is home to many enterprising designers, but Edwing D’Angelo is distinctive with his unique use of candy-colored elements, tuxedo tailoring and African-inspired details. As the fifth generation of master tailors, D’Angelo learned sewing while still a child and as a law student in New York City, realized that his passion lay with fashion design.
“By the time I made it to law school, I realized it wasn’t for me although that was my parent’s dream” says D’Angelo, who owns a showroom and boutique in the heart of New York City’s historic garment district. “But by pursuing my passion, I made my dreams come true.” Click through to see D’Angelo’s designs for his Spring/Summer 2013 collection, which feature both men and women’s clothing ranging from swimwear to formal wear with trimmings in a variety of playful, chic fabrics.
An ombre pink dashiki over a blue and pink one piece swimsuit creates a fresh, sexy look that D’Angelo says is popular with clients across New York City. The designer plans to open a second boutique in Harlem later this year; a move he says, his uptown African American clients have requested. Even so, the financial challenges of opening a second location haven’t been easy, confesses D’Angelo, who founded his self-titled brand in 2002. “I know everything about old-school tailor, but I am learning about business the hard way.”
D’Angelo’s inspiration for his Spring/Summer 2013 was Candy Land, “that beautiful childhood place with colorful indulgence of sweets and goodies,” says the 34-year-old. For men, D’Angelo used a variety of candy-colored hues in his signature tuxedo-style shirt with a trim cut and fit.
D’Angelo incorporates traditional African elements like dashikis and ruffled caftans in his contemporary line. The Colombian designer credits his family for both his training and entry into the fashion industry. “My sister’s prom came up and I made her a dress that made the envy of her friends, and this back in 1999,” recalls D’Angelo. “Soon enough, all of her friends asked me to design dresses for them too!”
A dazzling array of models wear D’Angelo’s new collection, which combined materials ranging from Italian cottons, silk chiffons and French lace. “My clothes are for people who aren’t afraid to be the center of attention,” says the designer. “They are very well made, well-tailored, but with a sleek, urban twist.”
The designer takes the runway after a successful runway show of his new collection. “Fashion is where I have found myself,” says D’Angelo, who has dressed Tyra Banks, Patti LaBelle, Vivica A. Fox and Lil Kim. “My Latino background, that love for a woman’s shape and a desire to look masculine and sharp will always inspire me.”
