Interviews with Ambra Castello

I studied for four years at the "Accademia Euromediterranea" of Catania and I have successfully gained the diploma in Fashion Design. During the academic studies I worked on a part-time basis as Dresser at fashion show and I took part in various competitions, as: “UNIC Competition” sponsored by Lineapelle, “Color Block” YKK project, “The spring bag” contest Vudett companies and “Re-fashion jeans” project Sicilia Fashion Village.

In June 2016, during the event Milan Fashion Graduate, I launched my first collection called “A.C.A. Attention Crochet Annoying” which in July 2016. In July, with the same collection, I also took part in the fashion show “Madeinmedi 2016”.

I was selected to participate in various competitions and events, as: “Fit your” trend for the Micam 2016 in Milan, “SUMMER SCHOOL - fashion design competition” - MODA AESTHETICS companies.

I was one of the finalists of the first edition of Mad Mood Milan and the competition “At the perfect gown search” of Sposinlove.

I exposed my scarf graphics, “ILLUSION” before to “Chibimart” in Milan in May 2016, and from 16 to 19 September 2016 all’Homi Milan.

I worked with stylists and photographers for the creation of editorial and advertising campaigns.

I have always wanted to work in the fashion world since I was a child. When I was a child any game included the clothes. My favorite games were recreating Barbie’s outfit and to create my showroom in the parents’ bedroom and to give style tips to customers.

Growing up, I understood that my fun could become my passion, than passion became study and study could become my work.

My most favorite design is A.C.A. “Attention Crochet Annoying” collection. It is the starting point. A.C.A. is an experimental collection to describe me. It isn’t simple to talk about yourself but through A.C.A collection I proved my determination and tenacity, my potentiality and courage. In this collection I used new yarns; one of this is plumber's tape “Teflon” with which I made Cocodd wedding dress. I am still working to carry the project forward.

For me “design” is the art by which I can express myself and the needs of customers. It allows me to use my creativity. I love to amaze client by my creations. When I achieve this goal I achieve success.

Without doubt my biggest supporter is my family. I will never stop to thank them. Thanks to them, I can achieve my dream. The academy where I studied, after four years of career path, supports me and believes in me.

I aspire to work in an office style, and attracted by experimentation, I aspire to deepen the research started with the collection A. C. A., to continue with other innovations.

The designers have a big chance; they could say a story, a condition, and a thought. The designers can give an important message with their work. All of this has more value if the designers give their contribution to help our environment.

I am working to carry the “A.C.A.” project forward. I would like to find right person to continue my yarns project and to go forward with other experiments.

The Design projects that gave me the most satisfaction are A.C.A. collection and Cocodd wedding dress. With A.C.A. “Attention Crochet Annoying” I have been selected to participate to “ Milano Moda Graduate”, obtaining excellent comments and reviews. This collection allowed me to collaborate with stylists, photographers and video maker on shoot, editorials and advertising campaigns. Cocodd wedding dress was very important for me because it allowed me to win A' Design Award & Competition 2017 in the Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Category.

Time to finalize a design project depends on the project itself and its deadline.

For example: A.C.A. “Attention Crochet Annoying” collection took me 8 months; Cocodd wedding dress took me 3 week; 3 different projects were running in a short interval of time and they took me one month.

Usually, my design process starts by choosing one or more themes and messages that I want to convey. Then I create moodboard from which I draw inspiration to realize my collection. But there aren’t well-defined rules for my collections. Each collection comes from this design process. A clear design process is good but creativity cannot have rules. I think that customizable design is the basis of this job. At the same time I find very stimulating when I have a specific request or guideline because I think that a good designer has to find the right solution for any request.

I use Illustrator, Kaledo style, Indesign, Photoshop and manual skill. It all depends on the kind of project and its characteristics.

My ideal design partner is a person of which you can trust; a competent, positive, willing person.

I believe in co-design, but it is very important to find right partner.

Since I was a child I have always wanted to work in the fashion world. I studied for four years at the "Accademia Euromediterranea" of Catania and I have successfully gained the diploma in Fashion Design. During the academic studies I understood that I love to design collection and I am attracted by experimentation. I took part in various competitions and events. One of the most important was in June 2016 when I have been selected to participate to “ Milano Moda Graduate”. In this event I launched my first collection called “A.C.A. - Attention Crochet Annoying". In July, with the same collection, I also took part in the fashion show "Madeinmedi 2016", obtaining excellent comments and positive reviews. After these events, I did different collaborations with stylists and photographers on shoot, editorials and advertising campaigns.

I am at the beginning of my career. I still have a lot to learn but I know my personal strengths: seriousness, determination and passion for what I do. The attention to detail has always distinguished me.

For me “design” is the art by which I can express myself and the needs of customers. It allows me to use my creativity. I love to amaze client by my creations. When I achieve this goal I achieve success.

My most favorite design is A.C.A. “Attention Crochet Annoying” collection. It is the starting point. A.C.A. is an experimental collection to describe me. It isn’t simple to talk about yourself but through A.C.A collection I proved my determination and tenacity, my potentiality and courage. In this collection I used new yarns; one of this is plumber's tape “Teflon” with which I made Cocodd wedding dress. I am still working to carry the project forward.

The mains aspects that I’m focus on are the attention of the details of my dress and about giving/sending messages from my creations. I think both are very important as a designer could stand out from the others thanks to these aspects.

Indescribable! A strong emotion and satisfaction. My creations are as my children.

The designers have a big chance; they could say a story, a condition, and a thought. The designers can give an important message with their work. All of this has more value if the designers give their contribution to help our environment.

The design inspiration of my works comes from what surrounds me and inside me. Surely, if I live in a stimulating city with stimulating persons I will have more inspirations. But there isn’t a place or a source of my inspirations. Everything could be sources of inspirations. The important thing is to observe all around you.

I can to describe my design style as minimal and avant-garde. The attention to detail is more important, it is fundamental in my creations. The main characteristic of my style is personalization of fabrics, for example: print of my graphics, new materials, mix of fabrics. I like to convey through varied means, and fabric is the most important part of dress. My approach to design is a 360-degree. I like to curate any aspect of my creations.

Usually, my design process starts by choosing one or more themes and messages that I want to convey. Then I create moodboard from which I draw inspiration to realize my collection. But there aren’t well-defined rules for my collections. Each collection comes from this design process. A clear design process is good but creativity cannot have rules. I think that customizable design is the basis of this job. At the same time I find very stimulating when I have a specific request or guideline because I think that a good designer has to find the right solution for any request.

I am very organized. I have excellent organizational skills. It is my mania. I organize keeping the to-do-list. I think it is very important to arrange everything at best because I can do more things in the same time. When events are connected sequentially and in short time, I have the ability to prioritize tasks and to organize effectively my time. I structure my workload and I don’t forget anything.

I would like to work for a brand as designer. I am looking for a job that will allow me to exploit the skills acquired thanks to my study, collaborating with important brands and participating in fashion events and competitions. And at the same time, I am looking for a brand in which I can continue to learn and to gain experience.

I would like to find the right persons to continue my yarns project and to go forward with other experiments.

I have collaborated with other person on shoot, editorials and advertising campaigns. In this moment I am working alone for my collections. I believe in co-design, but it is very important to find right partner.

People can contact me by email on ambra@ambracastello.com or by my website www.ambracastello.com in the contact section. You can have a look at my profile on NotJustAnLabel.com in the Black Sheep section, and you can also get in touch with me through the website.