Melbourne label Candice wants to evolve with each genderless collection
Words by Kate Streader
“We wanted to create a brand that is ever-changing and challenges itself to explore new ideas.”
Creativity, exploration and enjoyment. These are the fundamentals of Melbourne lifestyle label Candice. In fact, founder, head of production and designer Nick Campbell has been playing with these themes since his first foray into running a fashion label in his teens. While that iteration of Candice was short-lived, it got its second wind in late 2019 when Nick teamed up with co-owners Bronte Cooper and Charlie Barton to relaunch the label.
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Fluidity is part of Candice’s DNA. The trio behind the label never wanted to tie it to a single idea or aesthetic – instead, each small, limited-run collection reflects a different theme or concept.
The label’s latest collection, Way Way Above, is inspired by the idyllic Victorian High Country and the functional clothing the land calls for. Think warm, durable, practical pieces cut for a classic, clean fit, designed in neutral, earthy tones reflecting the country it celebrates.
We caught up with Nick to find out more about how Candice came to be what it is today, the new collection and what else is in store for the label.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
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Honestly, my fashion background is pretty minimal. I’m a graphic design uni drop-out and my experience in fashion only goes as far as working at a screen printer and a short internship at another Melbourne fashion label. I fell in love with the fashion scene when I was quite young and I think that passion, paired with my staunch views of living and enjoying life on your own terms, made starting a label of my own the perfect option for me. Since then, I’ve just been a sponge soaking in all the info I can and learning on the fly.
How did Candice get started? Can you talk us through the process and the challenges?
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So the true beginnings started back when I was about 16 or so, I had a little label that was kind of my creative outlet to help me get through school. I did that for a few years but it fizzled away naturally over time. Then the rebirth came through Candice around the start of COVID times and I teamed up with Bronte and Charlie and it went from there. We never really sat down and made a solid plan of exactly what we wanted to do, but I think we all knew what we were about in our own minds. We never wanted to restrict ourselves to one style or one theme and left enough open to allow the brand to naturally develop and flourish over time.
Getting the label off the ground has provided a lot of challenges, especially when we were on the younger side and had minimal connections in the industry. Trying to get other stores to work with us on a limb has been one of the more challenging parts, but we try not to let things get us down and just go with the flow and trust the process. There are challenges that come from every direction, but most of the time it’s all part of the fun of running a label.
Being based in Australia, we almost inherit an extra barrier. The market is smaller and everything is more expensive to get here or make here. Getting recognised globally is an ongoing challenge for us and something we are always trying to break through.
What were you trying to achieve from the project when it started? How has this evolved and what are you trying to communicate through the brand now?
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At the start, it was as simple as just making clothes I liked and having something I could put my creativity toward and have a bit of fun. I never really thought about the future of it, I’d just found something I was obsessed with.
It’s changed a lot since the humble beginnings – those things are still very much in the fundamentals, but now it’s about using design and garments to explore different topics or themes that catch our interest, connecting with like-minded people and creating genderless clothes all people can express themselves in. A lot of labels these days have a single theme or focus that runs throughout, but we wanted to create a brand that is ever-changing and challenges itself to explore new ideas. Candice is not just about fashion – it’s a place where we can ignite imagination, embrace discovery and enjoy every part of the process along the way.
How would you describe Candice to someone who’s never seen it before?
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That’s a tough one. I think Candice stems from streetwear and lifestyle fashion, but dips its toes into many realms and genres. Nothing is too serious and nothing is too predictable. There’s a mixture of fun and enjoyment, but also classic and clean. We want people to relate to our products and design and use them to express themselves and their lifestyles in, and not just think of us as a fashion label, but more a platform of exploration.
Can you tell us about the label’s 2023 Winter collection? What was the inspiration behind that collection?
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We’re pretty pumped about this one. The collection is named Way Way Above and takes all of its inspiration from the Victorian High Country, which is a place I love and spend a lot of time. We used colours and textures from the terrain and paired them with graphics that showcase the natural beauty and inhabitants, and also the myths and mysteries. We wanted to embrace the style and practicality of the region and create a range of fashionable lodge-wear. It’s probably been the most enjoyable and exciting collection to put together to date.
Where would you like to see Candice go next?
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We have a lot of crazy ideas here, but at the moment we’re really focusing on growing the label globally and working with more overseas retailers who align with our vision. And eventually maybe opening up a flagship store here in Melbourne.
Is there anything else you want people to know about the brand?
Not a lot! You can give us a follow on Instagram – @candiceforyou – and see what we’re up to!
Shop the Candice range here.
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