Coral Castillo, the fashion designer weaving Mexican heritage into style

My mother’s work as a dressmaker truly ignited my passion for fashion design. Witnessing the magical transformation of a simple piece of fabric into a beautiful dress and seeing the joy on a woman’s face as she slipped into it, deeply inspired me. I yearned to create that same sense of wonder and confidence.

My mother’s craftsmanship and artistry served as a constant reminder of the power of fashion to uplift and transform. It was her influence that ultimately guided me towards pursuing a career in this creative field.

When I embark on the creative process of designing clothing, I am passionately driven to showcase the profound influence of my Mexican heritage. I draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of traditions that define Mexico, with a particular focus on elements such as Otomi embroideries and the intricate art of macramé, which hails from the heartland of Mexico.

Within these vibrant and ancient techniques, I find a deep connection to the tribal essence that resonates with my Mexican roots. My creative journey is a tapestry woven with threads of inspiration from Aztec theology, the lyrical beauty of Aztec poetry, the resilience of the Mexican revolution, and the enduring spirit of indigenous people from Mexico. My designs reflect this intricate interplay of history and culture, bringing to life a kaleidoscope of bold and vivid colors that contrast with the somber shadows of revolution and the poignant echoes of the Aztec empire’s demise.

I love using macramé because it allows me to be hands on with my designs and experiment with the texture and layers. The macramé material gives me opportunities to be dramatic with the shapes in my design and lets me play with light and opacity through the weaves as well to create a strong impact.

The pandemic brought with it a wave of frustration as I found myself spending an extended period confined to the walls of my home. It was during this time that I decided to embark on a journey of reinventing my living space, embracing the bohemian decor style. While scrolling through various design inspirations, my eyes were captivated by a stunning macramé curtain that exuded elegance and charm. It was in that moment that a thought sparked within me – “I believe I can create this myself.”

With a quick Google search, I dove headfirst into the world of macramé, learning the fundamental knots and techniques. What I discovered was not just a newfound skill but a therapeutic escape. As I meticulously knotted and weaved, a sense of relaxation washed over me, providing solace in those uncertain times. Soon, my fascination with macramé extended beyond my home’s decor. I noticed its prevalence in various corners of Mexico, where it adorned spaces with grace and creativity. Inspired by this, I decided to integrate macramé into my clothing designs. What drew me to this art form was its inherent strength, akin to weaving an armor of elegance.

I love combining strength and softness in my pieces, mixing structured and feminine elements to give off an ethereal and weightless feel. At the heart of my design philosophy lies a powerful mission - to empower women and ignite a sense of pride in their individuality. I believe that fashion should not conceal but reveal; it should serve as a means to accentuate the unique beauty and strength that every woman possesses.

My creative vision is centered on the idea that clothing should be a source of empowerment, a tool that allows women to embrace their true selves without hesitation. I am not in the business of merely draping fabrics over silhouettes; I am in the business of celebrating them.

Being a finalist on PROJECT RUNWAY was a transformative experience, filled with valuable lessons that continue to resonate with me. One of the most significant lessons I learned was the power of color. Prior to the show, I predominantly worked with black, but PROJECT RUNWAY pushed me to explore and embrace a broader spectrum of hues without compromising my unique aesthetic.

It allowed me to incorporate vibrant colors into my designs while retaining a sense of strength and identity. The show also sharpened my ability to work under pressure, think creatively within tight deadlines, and collaborate effectively with fellow designers. These invaluable experiences shaped me both as a designer and as an individual, propelling me towards even greater artistic endeavors.

As a designer with an ever-evolving sense of style, I find myself drawn to several captivating trends that have been making waves in the fashion world. One trend that has captured my heart is the resplendent use of red. The fiery, passionate hue has me eagerly anticipating the opportunity to infuse it into my upcoming creations. Red, with its bold and timeless allure, promises to make a striking statement in my designs.

Another trend that has me enthralled is the ethereal allure of summer sheers. The delicate transparency of sheer fabrics paired with the intricate charm of macramé tops forms a spellbinding combination. I envision creating stunning ensembles by blending the lightness of sheer skirts with the intricate textures of macramé, evoking a sense of whimsical elegance.

Yet another trend that has piqued my interest is the artistry of sculpted sleeves. The sculptural nature of these sleeves adds a unique dimension to fashion, and I can’t help but consider the creative possibilities they offer. Perhaps, in the near future, I’ll embark on a journey to weave this trend into my designs, crafting pieces that marry modern artistry with timeless elegance.

When it comes to advice for my fellow Latinas, there are two pillars I hold dear: hard work and staying informed. These principles have the potential to unlock a world of opportunities and benefits.

First and foremost, I encourage Latinas to embrace the value of hard work. In a world filled with challenges and obstacles, our determination and grit can set us apart. By dedicating ourselves to working harder than anyone else, we not only demonstrate our commitment but also open doors to success that may have seemed out of reach.

Additionally, staying well-informed about everything happening in our respective industries is paramount. Knowledge is power, and in today’s dynamic and ever- changing world, being in the know can make all the difference. Stay curious, stay updated, and stay ahead of the curve. It’s a surefire way to empower yourself and make informed decisions that shape your journey.

So, to all my fellow Latinas, remember this: your dedication and your knowledge are your keys to a brighter future. Embrace the path of hard work, and never stop learning about the industry you’re passionate about. Your potential is limitless, and your success is well within reach.

Also, this is a tip for all aspiring fashion designers. Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, always trust your gut and be open to new experiences. For example, I recently partnered with CHEETOS Mac ‘N Cheese to create the CHEETOS Mac ‘N Cheese x Coral Castillo MAC’ramé Collection. That process was both fun and challenging because it was the first time I’ve created shoes and while I’ve made handbags in the past, this was a brand-new item to wrap my creative mind around. Luckily, I’m no stranger to fashion challenges and it was such a rewarding partnership.