Ambra Castello

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ambra Castello ("AC") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

AC : 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.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

AC : 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.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

AC : 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.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

AC : 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.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

AC : 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.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

AC : 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.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AC : 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.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

AC : 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.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

AC : 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.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

AC : 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.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

AC : 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.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

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

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

AC : 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.