Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Castillo.
Carlos, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My name is Carlos I am born and raised in Houston, Texas. I have five other siblings that make me question life every day but that I couldn’t live without. I also have three nieces and a nephew who I love very much. I’m patiently waiting for more because being an uncle has been the greatest gift. I was initially an artist before the thought of fashion even got into my head. The pivotal point where I was like ‘this is what I want to do’ was in 2010 after seeing Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance video and researching who had done the costumes. I came across Alexander McQueen who that same year sadly passed. After watching his last runway show titled ”Plato’s Atlantis” it clicked and I started to sketch. Every day that summer I was just drawing, sketching, just having fun doing it. Fast forward several years later and I have released several complete collections and have shown in several fashion weeks. Initially, it wasn’t easy though. my dad didn’t really support the idea he wanted me to become anything else but that. After seeing that I was determined to make something out of nothing, he has been one of my biggest supporters and I’m very thankful for his support and for my mom’s support as well. Believe in your kids, parents!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I derive inspiration from art and nature and design seasonal clothing collections. Apart from these to things I also draw inspiration from my emotions, it is a way to release what I feel not necessarily at that time but it lets me express myself in a way words can’t. All of my collections are connected to my feelings and I don’t really like to talk about it because it is very personal but I think if people knew this it would make them analyze the collections more rather than just seeing pretty clothes.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
This is kind of tricky, owning and operating a brand is truly expensive. Budget as much as possible, it’s easier said than done but categorizing where funds need to be directed at will help in the long run. That fabric might be really nice but it’s crazy expensive, there is no need for it. Also learn how to do other tasks, like I’m starting to explore photography so in the long run that won’t be an extra expense I can just do it myself sometimes.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I try to be apart of major runway shows to truly have a chance to be seen by as most people as possible. Being an emerging talent you really have to work hard to put your work out there to be seen. I think one of the ways to support me or others like me is sharing our work, that alone lets the work reach a broader audience which is beneficial.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carloscastillo.co
- Email: carloscastillo@carloscastillo.co
- Instagram: carloscastillobrand
- Facebook: carloscastillobrand
- Twitter: ccastillobrand
Image Credit:
Brandy Gueary
The Glamour Projects
Fashion X Dallas
Todd White
Alexia Diaz
Allie K., Ana M., Cherri D., Jessica Z., Audrey U., Sami D.,Kaylynn W.,
Jessica Tinajero
The Look Hair Salon
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