Candice Wu at Boston Fashion Week

[all photos by The Well-Appointed Catwalk]

Could this possibly be the same Candice Wu we met last year at The Launch? For her first solo show at Boston Fashion Week, the local designer went from the candy-colored satin of collections past to spikes, feathers, chains and a whole lot of black faux leather. It was a transformation that left last night's crowd in awe.

The teased out hair I spotted on the Russian models in the bathroom should have tipped me off, yet Wu's collection still blew away my expectations. Exaggerated collars, shoulders and jewelry kept the drama level high for a collection that is extremely wearable in actuality.

Separates and short dresses came in contrasting textures (knits paired with smooth, quilted and stamped leather), and skinny jeans were bedecked with epaulettes for a tough edge. Even Wu's evening wear retained a gothic flair, featuring a high-low number, an over-sized patent flourish on olive green chiffon and a black leather harness buckled across the back of one gown. Then of course, there was the Aztec feather headdress that punctuated the finale.

But it's the outerwear that will most likely have every girl in Boston swooning: pointed-shoulder blazers, military-inspired coats, and an attention-grabbing shawl collar accented by patent leather and fur.

In surprising us all, Wu has put out a collection that shows true maturation as a designer, and I wouldn't be surprised to see New York Fashion Week somewhere in her future. Lucky for me, though, Boston has her for now!