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Getting to know fashion designer Elizabeth Castellon

February 25, 2015/in designer interview /by Luevo Team

As I continue to highlight emerging fashion brands and designers I thought about who would be my next choice. I decided on Menswear and Womenswear designer Elizabeth Castellon. She also happens to be a fellow Academy of Art University alumni. After seeing her 2014 Fall Menswear collection during AAU’s runway show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2014 I decided to reach out to her. As a big fan of menswear her collection was one that stood out to me. I was fortunate to catch up with Elizabeth and asked her to share some of her designer journey.

As a designer of both womenswear and menswear which do you find to be more challenging?

Elizabeth Castellon: I find menswear to be more of a challenge, because there’s only so much you can design in menswear compared to womenswear. I think in womenswear you have more freedom to explore. With menswear you are limited, you have to follow the concept of functionality.

Fall 2014 Menswear lineup
Image appear courtesy of Fashion School Daily

You presented your fall 2014 menswear collection at the Academy of Art University runway show during last year’s NYFW. How was that experience?

Elizabeth Castellon: It was a memorable experience. After working so hard on my collection for several months, then watching my designs go down the runway; and knowing that this experience was coming to an end was bittersweet.

What is one thing you draw inspiration from when designing?

Elizabeth Castellon: I draw inspiration from photographs and images of what men wore during a specific time period. I examine the images and look at what the men were doing, their surroundings and their demeanor. From there I create a character, with a back story, that embodies the man of that time. I use this character as a tool to help me focus my research for more inspirational images. When designing, this character and his story keeps me inspired and helps me to visualize my designs.

Do you have a signature design or style that identifies your brand?

Elizabeth Castellon: I would say my style is combining classic tailoring elements with sportswear.

What is some of the best advice you received during your career? What is your advice for emerging designers?

Elizabeth Castellon: Someone once told me “We are our worst critics. Try not to second guess yourself.” When sketching I tend to think “does my design needs something more? Does it need something to make it interesting?” But I have to keep in mind not to over design; that simple, is ok. My advice for emerging designers is to trust your instincts.

Lastly, where can people get in touch with you?

Elizabeth Castellon: Email: castebycastellon@hotmail.com. My work is posted on Instagram at @castebycastellon.

This article was written by our guest blogger Tamarah Brown. You can follow her on Tumblr and Twitter. Elizabeth Castellon Fall 2014 Menswear Runway Images appear courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Image of Elizabeth Castellon is courtesy of Fashion School Daily.

Women’s Trends For Men

July 3, 2014/in Trends /by Ana Cara

In the world of fashion, the women are always the versatile ones. Why? Well, this is because they can turn men’s clothes into their own by just incorporating different elements from women’s trends. They are able to walk down the street with their boyfriend’s shirt with just a short pant and that is a great ensemble already. Being a blogger I have read quite a lot of blogs that feature men’s clothes translated to women’s and have not read anything that is the other way around. Now, a lot of you guys might already be saying “Is he crazy? What women’s clothes can he translate to men’s? How is he going to do that?” And to tell you as I came up with the idea of writing this… I knew I was digging my own grave and that if this came up with nothing then too bad for me.

Now… women have a lot of clothing to play with. There are different types of skirts; tanks, and shirts and so much more that can be put on. You girls have it all. Men, we only have shorts, long pants, short sleeves, long sleeves, tank, and shirts. Now, isn’t that unfair? I came up with the brilliant idea of taking women’s clothing and using them for the purpose of dressing men. (And no, not drag queen dressing!)

Imagine a guy with short shorts, a cropped tank not to cropped but just above the belly button with a cardigan wrapped around the waist. Weird, isn’t it? But if it was a woman wearing it, she would look cool.

If we take a trend instead of actual womenswear, we are able to see something better looking. One trend that seems to be popular with women is denim. Denim is worn by everyone, not just women. However, women started looking for ways that they can actually wear it at night (as a night piece). If guys were to follow this trend they would look cool in a bar, but not at a black tie occasion. Women can wear denim dresses and men can wear denim jackets to replace their formal ones. Pair it with tight or straight cut trousers and just a white button down shirt, semi-undone from the chest to the neck.

Another trend is wearing pink. Quite a lot of men are still sticking to the motto that pink is for girls. However, you can wear pink with blue jeans, or blue shorts, black shoes and white belt. You sir, will be good to go.

One great trend that seem to be popping up again is grunge. Females now have the term glam-grunge (or grunge gone glam). If you think of grunge boys, they are not the most fashionable of the group. But if the guys put two opposite things together, then they might have that glam-grunge to them. Semi-skinny jeans (or skinny) with a formal shirt, topped with a leather jacket, paired with black formal shoes. Too much?

Men can pull things women pull off really well. A trend that they pulls off really great is the mini-skirt trend. Men don’t have mini-skirts but we now do have short shorts (slightly shorter short pants just above the knee or a little bit more). Pair that with Toms, a cool short sleeve button down shirt, and then finish it off with a trench coat.

This is all about understanding trends that women enjoy but men can also explore. Why be stuck to what the norm says if you could be a little bit Gaga-esque?

Article written by Jeakeen, the blogger behind fashionaccordingtojhake.com. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @fashionbyjhake!

Are you looking for a new writing opportunity? Perhaps you have style tips that you would like to share with the world? We value new fashion trends and are always looking for talented guest bloggers. If you’re a blogger or writer, this is the place for you to get noticed. Can you see yourself as a part of our blogging team? Apply here!

Menswear designer Jenny Schwarz

November 25, 2013/in Designer Interviews /by Ana Cara

There’s something mysterious and intriguing about a rebel, making us wonder in excitement. UK based menswear designer, Jenny Schwarz, has us wondering no more. Her most recent collection, SS14, is all about neutral tones that define a chic, effortless look. The colour simplicity allows for the style, shape and detail of her pieces to stand out. Jenny’s SS14 collection is inspired by the post-war Circa WWII motorcycle gang and the men who were part of it.

Jenny Schwarz combines couture and ready-to-wear menswear into eclectic pieces. Her outstanding tailoring and attention to style has helped her brand remain noteworthy and successful in the fashion industry.Many of Jenny’s designs have a vintage touch while still maintaining its relevance. This makes for a unique approach to everyday modern menswear. Jenny’s pieces can sometimes be seen with additional accessories, mainly shoes. The shoes that are paired with her clothing adds to the rebel theme. Whether it’s a tattered combat boot or smart dress shoes, Jenny’s collection is made for every occasion.

An ongoing trend for the SS14 collection is the use of paneling- not only on the jackets and shirts, but also on the trousers. The stand out piece for me is the sand cotton jacket with padded paneling and mother pearl buttons as seen in the above photograph. Although the exquisite tailoring is reason enough to fall in love with the jacket, I also find myself drawn to the vibrant colour that allows the jacket to look incredibly rich.

Overall, the diversity of this collection is what makes it refreshing. All of the pieces can easily be paired with something that compliments a certain look. This collection shows that Jenny focuses on creating timeless yet stand alone pieces. Although, the pieces and their looks have a laid back feel, you can see the detail, thought and passion that went into designing these high fashion looks.

What do you think about Jenny Schwarz’ SS14 Collection? Let us know if this modern rebel look is what you like! @LuevoFashion

Photography: Michael Furlonger

Article written by fashion guest blogger Jonika Lewis. You can follow Jonika at @JonikaJun

Holiday gift guide for HIM

November 20, 2013/in Trends /by Ana Cara

With the holiday season approaching comes the perfect time to pamper our loved ones, need ideas for gift giving? Treat your special man to a stylish outfit, making him fashionably dressed for any holiday party and the winter season. These are key looks from designers that we guarantee he will love, receiving a head-turning appeal in any crowd.

Well acclaimed for his talent,Toronto based Christopher Bates is the definition of clean lines and chic designs, borrowing inspiration from 1950s styling. Transitioning between casual wear and an evening out, Bates offers fashionable items for any man.His newest collection can be found at Holt Renfrew, and we look forward to offering his exclusive items on Luevo soon.

Finding inspiration from Peter and the Wolf, Toronto based Philip Sparks creates designs that blend vintage details and classic tailoring, offering a contemporary sensibility to his collections. Providing high quality and functional clothing, the Sparks’ collections capture the essence of Canadians. For a classic and preppy style, sharp in every day, Sparks is the perfect option. Proudly made in Canada, you can buy his collections here in Toronto’s Ossington Village.

It is true; women do know how to style a man. Well known for her success in menswear, talented UK based Jenny Schwarz offers unique, innovative tailored fashion. Blending a classic style with a contemporary edge, the Schwarz collections imbue a dark and detailed twist that can be dressed up or down.Buy Schwarz designs in the UK or online at designated fashion shopping sites.

Christopher Bates


Jenny Schwarz


Philip Sparks