MEET THE DESIGNER BEHIND MARLA CALANDRA DESIGNS
Artist/Designer Marla Calandra, knew at an early age that some day she would embrace the fashion industry and it would embrace her. As a 7yr old child, she began designing her first clothing collection. While sitting in her 2nd grade English class, she would sketch very elaborate ballroom gowns ornate with roses and netting, while the rest of her class doodled the usual smiley faces when boredom set in. Marla went on to develop her sewing and illustration skills, by attending trade school for Apparel Design and Construction while still in high school. She furthered her knowledge in fashion by obtaining a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design in 1988 from NCC. Marla’s formal wear designs were first publicly featured in 1988 at the American Cancer Society’s Charity Fashion Show.
Working with various artistic mediums has always been the highlight and inspiration of Calandra’s design work. In 2005, she began to veer her designing skills in the art of jewelry making after her father built her a Native American beading loom. Since then, she had expanded her style into women's contemporary exquisite designs in both custom handmade jewelry with semi-precious stones, crystals and metal as well as her famous handmade handbags.
OTHER INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MARLA:
Marla was born and raised in Easton, Pennsylvania and currently lives in Port Charlotte which is located on the beautiful tropical coast of Southwest Florida.
Marla's other talents include making all natural handmade soaps and outdoor photography. She is also an accomplished Artist and loves to draw and paint landscapes and portraits using various mediums such as watercolor, acrylics & mixed media. Marla has had a great love for writing and poetry and is an accomplished published author where her own poetry is featured in over 12 books and anthologies. Marla also holds a degree in Occupational Therapy and has worked 22 years in the field as a registered & licensed Occupational Therapist.
