March 14, 2008

Whoa, Nela

Nela Debuts

A seaplane touches down on turquoise water. Weighed down by nothing but a strapless chiffon sundress, you head to the villa for a nap before a late-night salsa.

With the weather we’re having, it’s hard not to indulge in fantasy (especially when reality involves ten yearly vacation days and a windowless midtown office).

But you can still have the outfit ready, courtesy of Nela.

Designer Hellen Yuan-Edralin takes the attention to detail she learned from her gig at Rozae Nichols and stirs in some tropical, carnivalesque inspiration for her new line.

Custom patterns in cool silks, chiffons, and jersey are specially tailored to make sure that the flowers and swirls hit you just where they should (no embarrassing crotch splotches here), while the fit is easy-breezy.

With global warming, maybe you’ll even be able to wear it next week.

Hey, you can dream.

Available at Lola’s Boutique, 306 86th Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues, Bay Ridge (718-745-4300); Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Avenue, at 56th Street (212-247-1100). To see styles, go to nelacollection.com.