Sparkle & Shine - Raimond Castellano

Sparkle & Shine

If you’ve ever needed something sparkly for a special event you’ll be familiar with Raimonds. A stalwart of the Perth fashion scene for the past 20 years, Raimond Castellano tells us about his passion

for fashion. WORDS | Beverly Ligman

YOU CAN’T WALK down the top end of Hay Street without a sparkly dress in Raimonds' window catching your eye. And while I may well be a bit of a magpie, Raimonds' has dressed so many Perth women over the years for school balls, bridesmaid’s duties, cocktail events and weddings, that I decided to find out the story behind the store.

BL Why did you start Raimonds? RC I originally started Raimonds as a menswear boutique in 1995. There was a definite gap in the market for an intimate and personalisedstyle shopping experience offering premium, hand-picked and exclusive labels. BL What do you love about dressing women in gorgeous gowns? RC Seeing our clients absolutely light up when they see themselves in their perfect gown is an amazing feeling and one I’ll never tire of. Knowing that I was able to make them feel so beautiful and confident for a special occasion is incredibly rewarding.

BL Tell us how you started out in fashion? RC I grew up watching my mum work as a seamstress, so I guess that’s where my respect for and love of beautiful garments comes from.

BL Do you have a favourite brand that you stock? RC Having travelled to the USA many times to attend AmericasMart and World of Prom in Atlanta, as well as the Magic, Project and Liberty Tradeshows in Las Vegas, I’ve been incredibly lucky to source, work with and represent three fabulous US labels; Jovani, Faviana and Scala. I love all three of these brands as their collections are individually amazing and when combined, I really believe that they offer something for everyone.

BL How do you compete with the thriving dress rental market? RC Fortunately, the dress rental market is not an issue for me. Given the incredibly high calibre of the designers and labels that we represent, our gowns are not available in hire stores. The gowns are intended to be exclusive and luxurious, and being available in hire stores unfortunately diminishes the value of the brand.

BL Why did you decide to open in Subiaco originally?

RC Subiaco has always been one of Perth’s most beautiful suburbs, as well a premier shopping and dining destination. I have been fortunate enough to have built a wonderful and loyal clientele which includes many Subiaco residents and locals, as well as wonderful relationships with my fellow Subiaco business owners.

BL What will customers get at Raimonds that they won’t find anywhere else? RC An incredibly honest, personalised and professional level of service in a relaxed and intimate environment with an amazing collection of hand-picked designer gowns to choose from.

BL Can you tell instantly what will suit a woman, when she walks into your store? RC Absolutely and I take great pride in being able to do this. BL Are you able to tailor garments to a perfect fit? RC Our gowns are superbly made and therefore very little is required to make them a perfect fit.

BL What do you love about what you do? RC Seeing super happy clients leave my store, feeling on top of the world about how they look and feel. And knowing that I am able to make my clients feel so confident and beautiful is without a doubt the best part of my job.

BL Tell us five words that describe you. RC Honest, passionate, professional, dedicated, easy-going.

You can find Raimonds at 1/420 Hay St, Subiaco or phone (08) 9380 4181.

The store is open on Monday and Tuesday by appointment only and on Tuesday to Saturday from 10-5pm. Raimond’s realm

School ball and formal trends for 21/22? Personally I don’t think school ball and formal gowns generally follow trends or fads. I much prefer to choose classic pieces that look and fit beautifully and most importantly, make my clients feel amazing. Our gorgeous selection of gowns allows our clients to choose a dress that does all of this, as well as suit their personality, which is really important.

Subiartco is a group of eight Western Australian artists – six painters, one photographer and one glass artist.

subiartco Subiartco Galleries

Subiartco Galleries 67/12 Sheen Street, Subiaco Open from 11am to 2pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Open by appointment outside these hours. Tel: 0430 208 720 | Visit subiartco.com.au