Last update - 00:00 28/02/2007
Castro: Successful fashion for the masses
By Ilit Mainemer
Castro wants to "lead the fashion world," says Eti Roter, the company's general manager. However, if we regard Castro not as an industry leader but as a chain that brings fashion to the mass market at relatively decent prices, it seems that in the past seasons, it has been doing so with increasing success.
The latest trends can be seen in the men's and women's summer collections: slim silhouettes, leggings, skinny jeans, long tunics for women, dresses inspired by the '60s and '70s, and vibrant colors. The accessories also take on the same retro tone, from the wide and slender belts that accentuate the waist, toe-loop sandals and oversized bags.
The collections for both genders target a wide range of consumers with a few distinct lines that differ in color, style and character. All, however, have a common thread. Take, for example, the casual line for women, which offers vintage-style clothes, white cotton skinny jeans, feminine shirts, hand-detailed suede jackets, and embroidered coats with Japanese-inspired prints.
At times, the men's line appears to be overloaded with detail, due to combinations of pre-washing, weathering, stitching and more. Take, for example, an Oxford shirt with embroidery on the front and back, epaulets and multiple seams, or a batik-printed T-shirt with a print and patches.
The more becoming men's styles are inspired by British boarding school boys and include an attractive pre-washed trench coat, tailored shorts, a floral-print cotton shirt inspired by designer Paul Smith, comfy linen knits and exceptional pants with elastic waistbands.
This season, Castro continues improving its attention to detail. Take, for example, the exposed seams, eyelet cotton embroideries and tailored linings, which indicate the effort involved. Other examples include a striped tailored jacket with polka-dotted lining and embroidered button-holes, and the underwear, designed to match each line through its color and material.
"The details were made on a philosophical level," says Deganit Holliger-Ram, one of the women's collection designers. "What the customers want, how we can surprise them, how they can build their personal wardrobe to express their inner feelings."
All this and more. Castro also puts thought into comfort and body types, as is evidenced by the elastic gathers on the back of strapless dresses and elastic waistbands in pants.
The women's collection also offers printed tunics in soft greens and yellows, with a colorful '60s vibe. Take, for example, a green viscose dress with an empire waist and a yellow belt, long shirts, a short-sleeved decorated turtleneck and a kimono-sleeved tunic.
The more prudent and sounder line, featuring silvers and purples, offers attractive linen slacks, roomy and comfortable with a high waist, and sleeveless tops with leafy prints and beads. There are also tailored Bermuda shorts, a rayon chiffon-satin dress with elastic straps, a skirt with a tulip cut and a cotton halter dress with handcut eyelets.
Women's collection: jackets: 180-1,200 NIS; pants: 80-370 NIS; jeans: 180-400 NIS; dresses: 130-550 NIS; shirts: 40-230 NIS. Men's collection: jackets: 290-1,300 NIS; pants: 90-400 NIS; shirts: 120-330 NIS; T-shirts: 40-160 NIS.