EIKONIK MAGAZINE ISSUE#001 by Merlin Castell, LLC.

Merlin Castell

Dubbed as “John Galliano Latino,” Castell is the critically acclaimed “New Promise” of the international fashion scene. Voted “One of the Top Designers to Watch Out For” Merlin Castell has woven “fashion magic” for Hollywood’s hottest celebrities including John Leguizamo, Tracy Bingham, Maria Conchita Alonso, Carlos Santana, Paris Hilton, “The Insiders ” Victoria Recano, Paula Abdul, Christian Delafuente, “Spice Girl” Melanie Brown, Priscilla Presley, and “Dancing with the Stars’” Karina Smirnoff,” to name a few. The scene stealer recently appeared on OXYGEN NETWORK’S “The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency.” In this show stopping performance Castell literally had Janice Dickinson on her knees when she realized that Fashion Icon Merlin Castell was going to appear on her show. Janice originally Continued on Page 7

Inside eikōnik: Gary Berry The Wizard behind the Icon

Who

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Berry transitioned into sales in the fast-paced fashion industry. He quickly moved up the ranks, and developed a reputation as a trailblazer for major labels. As a top sales performer for Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney New York, and Hugo Boss, he received awards and recognition for surpassing every sales quota presented to him, garnering over one-million-dollars in sales several times over. Bored with corporate politics, Berry saw few challenges he couldn’t overcome, and felt he needed a change. It was at “The Mercedes Benz Fash-

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eldest of three boys and one sister, life was not so easy growing up in the Midwest. With an overly religious family, creative freedom was a four-time-aweek church outing. At the tender age of sixteen, Berry decided to leave the confines of the Midwest, and went on a soul-searching mission to find himself. Once Berry landed in Los Angeles, he knew he found his home. Following a career in modeling and acting,

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Who’s wearing Merlin Castell?

or Gary Berry, born in Marion, Indiana, the

I made it my mission to manage this budding talent

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ion Week” in Los Angeles in the Fall of 2001 that Berry discovered, then unknown, Merlin Castell. “I made it my mission to manage this budding talent” says Berry. Inspired by what appeared to be the next haute couture genius, it was at that moment Berry approached Castell to present a proposal - a proposal that would later change the life of Merlin Castell. For the next few hours, the two met and discussed ideas and scribbled notes onto cocktail napkins. Those hours turned into days, then months of collaboration, when finally, Berry left Hugo Boss to transform cocktail napkin

Gary Berry with Merlin Castell at the Red Door Studio, Los Angeles Photo: Christopher Ford

notes into a strategic business plan in 2002 when Merlin Castell, LLC was formed and he accepted a position as President and CEO of the company. Berry, critics agree, is the wizard behind the scenes and in part is instrumental in the now successful design house. In the six years the dynamic duo have strived to build a name for themselves, Berry’s drive and focus has been the steam engine behind the Brand’s strengthening presence. Berry plans to continue to market Castell’s ingenious designs to hot celebrities, but he’s rapidly gearing the company up for the de-

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It’s just another day at the office...

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signer’s new ready-to-wear label, “Castell” coming this spring. He recently commisioned celebrity and fashion photographer, Christopher Ford of fotoMOJO, LLC to create a set of publicity photos for Castell, as well as a series of videos featuring Castell’s current and previous collections and appearances. The company website, www. merlincastell.com is undergoing a major retrofit, incorporating an online shopping experience, a blog, and photos. “The graphic designers are working around the clock on the new branding, the web designer is working his fingers to the bone on our new website, and our photographer hasn’t slept in a week,” Berry laughs. He maintains a pleasant disposition despite the challenges he faces, taking it all in stride. “It’s just another day at the office,” he says, “We’re scheduled for events and fittings, but we still need to look ahead. There’s never a dull moment, but we’re all one big, happy family here,” says Berry, speaking of his staff. In hundreds, if not thousands of letters, email messages, and comments on the company’s myspace page, www. myspace.com/merlincastell, Castell’s fans have asked for off-the-rack garments for the past 18 months, and Berry intends to deliver. “For Merlin, it’s about perfection the timing had to be right. We’re now ready to launch a ready-to-wear label that will fit into any woman’s budget while bringing her the beauty and functionality that Merlin’s known for.”

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It’s about perfection; the timing had to be right

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think it would be so popular, but “theI didn’t reality is precisely the opposite”

Dubbed as “John Galliano Latino,” Castell is the critically acclaimed “New Promise” of the international fashion scene. Continued from Page 1

thought Castell was hired by the producer as an actor; when she realized Castell was a highly respected designer, her jaw dropped as she spilled water on his cashmere jumpsuit. With her trembling hands, she offered her apologies and she knew her dream had finally come true in her bigger vision to have her agency known for her high fashion runway models. The episode was the highest rated to date.

From Honduras The name “Merlin” is not very common and much less so among the humble class from which this young designer comes. None of his seven siblings have a “strange” name. “It’s as though my mother knew what I would become, giving me that name,” Born in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras as Merlin Castellon, the master designer changed his name to Merlin Castell upon entering the fashion industry. For a young man from a humble family in a country where there is no fashion industry, becoming known and educating oneself in that field were not easy.

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The Insider’s Victoria Recano (left) and Queen of Hip Hop, Cecy B (right) wear Merlin Castell

“My mother sold tamales; our social standing didn’t make it possible to know about fashion,” recalls Merlin. The only models available to Merlin were his mother and his sisters who, despite not having the clothes of a designer, he always tried to make shine. Since he was 14 he felt the drive to learn how to speak in Italian because he said that one day he would study in Italy. Since he couldn’t pursue studies in fashion, he decided to go to college to study architecture. “When I was 18, I began to realize who Merlin really was and what I wanted to make of that name my mother had given me.” He traveled to Mexico and later to Italy, where he graduated in 2002 from the Fashion College Marangoni, a prestigious center of fashion teaching in Milan, Italy. Like all immigrants, he arrived in the United States with a dream, goals and with great expectations. But, Merlin discovered a stark reality. He worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant and saved enough money to buy fabrics to sew his designs. Those very designs would later be shown in some of the stores where he was employed. Before realizing his dream, the Honduran designer tells of work abuses he had to suffer in which he was nearly a slave, but from which he was later able to free himself. “I wanted to get into fashContinued on Page 18

ou’ve seen him on the Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency show (Oxygen / Tuesday nights), Eye on LA, The Insider, Premier Impacto, and on the red carpet at just about every gala Hollywood event. His designs have strutted every major runway from LA to San Francisco... to Atlantis and the Galactic. His designs are glamorous, trendy yet classic - something from an Enchanted Neverland - and still all the while functional. He’s extreme and driven by a passion, and still grounded by his Honduran roots. His one-of-kind, made-toorder, hand-made garments are sealed with a kiss and come to a life of their own - breathing in their owners and transforming their every step into a mythical catwalk that would bring the likes of Tolkein to an awestruck stammer. Some call him a magician, and others a wizard. His name befitting, he is called Merlin, and to those in the know, they call him Merlin Castell - Fashion Icon; and standing five-feet-four, he’s larger than life, with a presence that preceeds him from the next zip code over. I love couture - what’s not to love about it? And, with only a handful of true couturièrs around the globe, it is quite the honor to be given a rare opportunity to be in one’s company. That honor was given to me on October 10, 2008, when I met the (in)famous Merlin Castell, head designer and Gary Berry, President / CEO of Merlin Castell of West Hollywood for a publicity photo shoot at the beautiful Red Door Studio in Downtown Los Angeles, where we joined the ranks of HBO, Playboy and a long list of ubertalented photographers and film makers alike. And, just as Merlin’s designs are sure to take the breath away, this publicity set is a must-see. Merlin sported four absolutely riveting outfits for the shoot, and brought with him a charasmatic, extremely powerful, yet undeniably lovable and friendly personality that is the basis of his truly humble character. Stunning and powerful, glamorous and commanding, but with a beaming smile and genuine altruistic concern for those who might be so fortunate to wear his art. I am so excited to share the final photos from this half-day photo

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shoot with the world. I was all-the-more elated when Gary Berry contacted me to create the video pictoral editorial, “Iconic” (available on YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/merlincastell). The show, already receiving rave reviews, is a lively interpretation of our photo shoot and Merlin’s unique personality, and viewers will find themselves whisked away to the Magical World of Merlin Castell, where they’ll discover a little mystery, a hint of whimsy, and a glimpse into the mind of a true Fashion Icon. -

Christopher Ford

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ion and, despite everything, I did,” he states. In relatively little time he achieved what he wanted and through hard work, failures and accomplishments, Merlin managed to climb the ladder of success.

A Multi-Use Masterpiece Until recently, Merlin Castell had refused to enter such a competitive field as women’s fashion. Nevertheless, after several years he came to the realization that focusing his ingenuity on men’s clothing was not as profitable as the world of women’s fashion. “Although my clothing was for men, women were the ones buying it. It was amazing, so I had to get into that kind of heavy competition,” states the Honduran born designer. Castell, who managed to successfully launch his Merlin Castell line of luxury garments with business partner, Gary Berry, began designing clothing for women using a different concept: functionality. He says that his work is based on this idea because women today are dynamic, practical and thrifty. Castell’s designs are not limited to the garments themselves, but rather have a use that

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goes beyond the aesthetic. He transforms a dress into two garments for day or evening wear. The fashion magician always impresses with his creations, which truly are works of art. On this occasion, the versatile and intrepid designer gives women the option of buying a single dress. It enhances her beauty and at the same time helps her to economize. But most importantly, the design will not go out of style. It can be worn in any season and fulfills various requirements of today’s woman. In spring, Castell will launch his new clothing line which includes a dress that can just as easily be used for a formal dinner or turned into an elegant garment for a cocktail party. “I didn’t think it would be so popular, but the reality is precisely the opposite,” he states.

Day-Evening Wear, a garment that combines a short cocktail dress and a classic elegant cut for the evening Castell’s fabulous Day-Evening Wear collection is made from silk. he maintains, the material caresses the women’s skin and hangs elegantly, enhancing her curves. This diverse Evening Wear collection is darContinued on Page 24

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Photographer, Christopher Ford works his MOJO, shapeshifting Merlin Castell in “iconic”, a pictoral editorial feature hitting desktops nationwide this month.

e caught up with celebrity and fashion photographer Christopher Ford of fotoMOJO, LLC at his Los Angeles studio to talk to him about his pictoral editorial, “icon” appearing on desktops nationwide on November 24, 2008 on YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/merlincastell). The video feels more like a short film, than a slide show, and it’s far from typical. Ford incorporated an ingenious series of animated clips into a presentation that brings Castell to life.

-e-What inspired the name, “iconic” for this video? Ford: That’s simple in part. The literal definition of the word, “iconic” is inspiration alone. It’s an adjective that not only describes a symbol, it also describes a pictorial representation of something. Merlin’s in a class all his own, and his work is superior. I wanted the name to truly reflect that in more ways than one.

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-e-How did you create all of those incredible animations in this video? Ford: I use several software applications to create a video, but the majority of the frames for this show were created using Photoshop. Each transition required multiple frames; some required upwards of 60 frames to create a fluid motion. By the end of the project there were 448 frames that were compiled into about a dozen video clips, then strung together in video editing software where I could further adjust the speed of each clip to sync with the soundtrack.

-e-Speaking of soundtracks, you certainly chose a unique theme song for this video. What inspsired you to choose Thief of Hearts by Madonna? Ford: Merlin’s style... Merlin himself... is a thief of hearts. I’ve followed Merlin’s work for a couple of years. I was elated when he first contacted me; I almost couldn’t believe it. This soundtrack was selected because it really matches his personality, it’s fun, edgy and it’s got a great beat. In essence, it becomes the vehicle that the show is delivered on, and I don’t think anything else would have worked quite as well.

-e-You’ve done some incredible things with Merlin’s look, and now it seems you’re directing a lot of your time into other ventures with the company. What’s next? Can we have a tip from the inside? Ford: I can say this much, you can expect great things from Merlin Castell. What else would you expect? I’m flattered that Merlin appreciates my work, and that they’ve continued to expand their relationship with fotoMOJO. I think we’re a great match, and we share the same vision. It helps that I’m a fan of his work, of course, and I’m really looking forward to photographing his new ready-to-wear line, “Castell.” And, before you ask, yes, I’m sure there will be another video.

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ing, bold, sensual and elegant. The little century, it’s original, practical... fabulous. black dress with embroidered patterns in The beautiful designs of this superb maestro the same material, strapless with simple of haute couture aim to bring out the beaulines and a clasty of today’s womA lot of women don’t like to an: intrepid, intelsic open skirt is the wear the same garment to a par- ligent, bold, and main characterty or a dinner, so now they have beautiful. Swathed istic of the new the option of transforming it. in textures, colors glamour queens. The collection has -Merlin Castell and patterns, Mermany pieces, all lin lets his imaginawith different necklines, but all with a contion and creativity fly to achieve what he vertible skirt; a practical and original dress. wants.

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The fabulous genuine designs can be combined with elegant accessories, shawls, bags, and pumps to create an extremely elegant look and add extra layers of style to this staple garment. The best buy of the

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Immersed in his creative empire, his unique garments, in a variety of styles reveal his versatility, always with that magical touch of Merlin Castell. .

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Castell’s creations, in addition to being practical, are clothes in which any woman can feel comfortable and radiant at the same time. The colors are in line with the Spring/Summer season seen in some store windows. “When I started to design these dresses, I leaned towards the color red and the catwalks of the most renowned designers on which to show them,” he stated. A garment’s functionality is always well appreciated by any woman, especially by those that tend to make large investments in their closet. Castell’s garments include dresses designed with a variety of materials, but above all fabrics that lend them a natural weight and bounce; dresses designed to be used on more than one occasion. “A lot of women don’t like to wear the same garment to a party or a dinner, so now they have the option of transforming it,” says the designer. Furthermore, although it’s a sizeable investment, it only needs to be made once. This is also the case with pants that Castell calls 3D, which correspond to the three dimensional. It’s a garment with stripes that women can mold to their figure. The pants can be adjusted to the shape of the hips, even to exaggerate them, if necessary. “It works like a corset, but specifically for the hips,” he states. This garment, states Castell, has been well received and has sold very well. However, only a few women have been able to en-

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joy them due to their cost and only being available by order.

Pros and Cons Although Castell’s designs are designed with Latin bodies in mind, “Latin women are the least likely to purchase them because only a small portion of them invest in designer clothes, and I couldn’t believe it,” he states. Castell said that experience speaks for itself, and although it pains him to recognize it, it’s the truth. In order for a designer to become famous, he would need to dress a world-renowned artist, and then more clients will follow. Designers are guided by exclusivity; one of their creations is limited to a single client, or two or three at the most. But, this Honduran designer’s dream is for a large number of women to be able to wear his garments and for them to be displayed in shop windows. “Piracy is also a problem in this industry, but here there’s no way of controlling the sense of exclusivity,” explains the young designer.

Traci Bingham of Bay Watch wearing Merlin Castell

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Mass production of a garment comes with a steep price tag. For many designers, it is simply impossible to absorb these costs. However, mass-produced pieces are able to go to market at far lower prices. While profitable, the cost of production is not

attainable to most designers without substantial financial backing. Therefore, it’s nearly impossible for small design houses to compete with large producers. Often times, large producers knock-off smaller designers’ work then sell it in the mass market, where the smaller designer cannot compete. “That’s the way the fashion world works. We can’t patent our ideas and creations,” Merlin states. Increasingly, Castell is beginning to make his mark amongst Hollywood stars and in the music industry. Each year, the Merlin Castell label and reputation have grown stronger, and it’s fast becoming a household name. An increase in couture sales and a growning demand for an off-the-peg line of clothing has brought Castell to a new crossroad. While some of Hollywood’s biggest names continue to seek Merlin’s magical needle and thread in his exclusive showroom, he will soon be launching his newest brand, simply... “Castell,” a ready-to-wear line of clothing in that unique Merlin Castell style that his fans have come to adore. The line is in its final phase of design, gearing up for production, and will be available this Spring.

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Kaya Jones of the Pussycat Dolls wearing Merlin Castell

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