Uncovering Merlin's Fashions By Mike Pingel

Merlin Castell is best known in the fashion industry for his stunning couture, his outrageous look and his time on TV's The Fashion Show. With the launch of his out-of-this-world Mars-inspired fall 2010 line called “The Space Traveler,” we wanted to find out a little bit more about this talented man.

When did you first know you wanted to be a fashion designer?
One of my earliest fashion memories is one of me dressing my mother. I think I was around the age of eight when I started telling her what she should and shouldn’t wear.

Where did you study?
I studied fashion in Mexico for a short period of time. There my teacher compared me to Frida Khalo, saying my style was different and suggested I further my studies in Italy.

What material did you like to work with most?
My specialty in school was working with leather, but there was a time when I couldn’t afford leather, so I started to apply my ideas to fabric and that became a whole new sensation.

Do you have a motto?
I believe a true designer is one who can bring a new concept in design. One who believes what he does is innovative and risky but does it because it comes from inside the heart.

Any final words?
My journey has been very magical.

To find out more about Merlin Castell check out his official website at merlincastell.com.

Five Nine Fashion Mixer Features Merlin Castell

The Five Nine fashion industry mixer produced by Joshua James was just a glimpse of what’s to come. Five Nine’s mission is to become the ultimate fashion industry mixer, providing a venue for aspiring artists to top professionals and celebrities. Merlin Castell headlined the 59 Fashion Show Mixer with his “Space Traveler on Mars” Fall 2011 line.



As the night progressed, Boulevard3 was flooded with top hair stylists, make-up artists, photographers, designers, models, modeling agencies, media and guests. Models and photographers armed with their portfolios were mingling with professionals in the industry showing off their stunning portfolios/books. The charming Joshua James was walking around with his wireless microphone, encouraging everyone to network, exchange business cards and have a good time.

Media people were busy taking shots and video interviews of celebrities as they arrive at the red carpet/step and repeat. It was indeed a star studded event with celebrity guests Jade Cole from America’s Next Top Model and Patricia Kara from NBC’s Deal or No Deal. Modeling agencies personally invited by Joshua James to attend the 59 Fashion Mixer include Ford Models, Elite Model Management, L.A. Models and Wilhelmina Models.



The space themed fashion show started with a dance feat by the Boulevard3 Dancers, as seen on “So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Best Dance Crew” and live performance by Australian recording artist, Vassy, nominated for Australia’s Best R&B Album. Shunning the traditional catwalks, the runway was an eight foot tall ramp that appears to float and accentuated with smoke effects, laser beams, video walls on both sides and out of this world models.



Celebrity designer Merlin Castell, from The Janice Dickinson Show unveiled his Fall 2011 collection “Space Traveler on Mars”, taking his designs to warp speed with an entire new line of sheer couture.

Five Nine was sponsored by: Argyle Salon & Spa, Chris Voss Show, Edan Edan Salon, Elite Scene, Ford Fiesta, Hollywood Photo Journal, My Fashion Place, RAW: Natural Born Artists, Runway Icon, and Sebastian St. George and XOCAI Healthy Chocolate. Other special guests include Supermodels Unlimited, Mia Hope, VJ Michael Benz, Mark Sacro, Jade Cole and Patricia Kara.

Boulevard3 is the perfect venue to launch Five Nine, known to be the exclusive playground for Hollywood’s most glamorous events. It’s one of the “Sexiest Places To Be” by Cosmopolitan Magazine and the “World’s most Star-Studded Venues” by Forbes Magazine. Boulevard3 is located at 6523 West Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028



Special thanks to our elite LA fashion photographers Marco Mendoza, Romeo Joy Manalang, Geoff Sam, Dino Gonzales and AC for the amazing videos and pictures.



























More Pictures to come …