By Susan Jordan
Celebrity fashion designer and star of Bravo’s hit “The Fashion Show,” Merlin Castell is no newcomer to mesmerizing viewers with his glamorous designs and eccentric personality.
Known for his haute couture tailored clothing crafted from highly luxurious fabrics, Merlin has attached his name to some of Hollywood’s most recognizable entertainers, such as Paris Hilton, Carlos Santana and even Marilyn Manson.
Merlin and his designs have been featured in both national and regional television shows, including “The Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency, ” “LATV,” “The Insider,” “Al Rojo Vivo,” “American Latino Television” and Bravo’s “The Fashion Show.” Merlin has also been featured in print publications such as “Women’s Wear Daily,” “Las Vegas Magazine” and “Las Vegas Weekly.”
Named one of the top designers to watch out for, this chameleon of fashion is constantly venturing into realms other designers dare not step into. On “The Fashion Show” Merlin made such an impression with the viewers and judges that Bravo asked him to appear back on the show’s finale as a fashion expert.
Merlin Castell answered some questions about his work for The Empty Closet.
What is your fashion or style philosophy?
Well, to tell you the truth I really don’t have one. As a designer I’m always changing with the seasons. But if I were to have one, I would have to say, epic, timeless, sensational.
Which great designers have inspired and influenced you?
Valentino would be my number one choice. A close second would be (a tie between) Yves St Laurent and Balenciaga.
Do you feel your work resembles haute couture in that you design for individuals, not the mass market?
I would have to say yes. However, I would license my name so that the masses would be able to wear my product. With the same high standards, with more affordable prices.
Who have you never designed for but would really like to?
I would have to say most definitely my princess/goddess Nicole Kidman.
What do you most enjoy about the show?
The show afforded me the chance to go to New York City, where I’ve always wanted to visit but never had the chance. And of course I can’t forget the massive amount of exposure.
Anything you’d like to add?
What I would like to add is that I really got the chance to show the world that I’m a unique and talented designer, not just a character/TV personality.
Showing posts with label bravotv. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bravotv. Show all posts
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
In the Cards .../Merlin knew he was going home when he pulled the Six of Swords.
It all started with Reco waking me up in the morning with sleeping robes that were left for us outside the door. Later in the Mini Challenge, we had to make a complementary piece for the robe. I did mine and thought it was one of the better ones made but of course Anna won.
The Elimination Challenge involved visiting a psychic and Tarot card reader that read us our futures. I do not remember what she said to me but I saw that I was leaving or moving on to something else.
The theme was to create something inspired by the Tarot card that we picked from the table. I took the Six of Swords. And since there are six of us competitors, it's fitting although the others have been like sword that have been nailed in my back.
Of one way or another, it doesn't matter what you create, you cannot always fight against nature and sooner or later you'll have to leave with what you carry. That fact is I lost and I went home. Happy? Yes. Satisfied? Yes. Pleased? No. What I showed was a beautiful piece compared to what the others made. I cannot believe I lost. The show might have ended, but for me, I'm just getting started.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Mean Girl/Merlin explains what made him unhappy that he won.
We started with a Mini Challenge of making a campaign shirt for a girl running for class president at her school. My shirt was themed "Mean Girls" but I did not understand exactly what a "mean girl" was. Danielle explained to me that a mean girl was similar to a drama queen. I hated it.
For the elimination challenge we had to include our shirt theme somehow into a new garment. Horrible. I had to transform an ugly duck into a swan. I was a little disappointed and frustrated because I wasn't 100% sure what a mean girl was and didn't know how they dressed. So I made my own version of a "mean girl." I think each one of us has some sort of mean girl quality inside us and we use it when it's convenient to disguise ourselves and stay in the social world we'd like to stay in. I ended up winning the challenge, but I think Lidia should have won because she was the wisest in this challenge.
I have realized that Havan, Danielle, and Anna think that they can go through life pushing and trampling everything that is in their way. The cameras do not show who they really are.
Barbie is not more than the competition but in all the ways that follow I'm thinking that Haven does not have anything in her head and it is contaminated by the aerosol that she uses for her hair but it's good because it acts like an exterminator and kills off all the flies. Kisses, Barbie.
I'm a professional designer with years of experience over and beyond some of my competitors. Although this challenge was outside of what I do in my normal day-to-day business, I'm a professional and can pull a little magic out of my hands to pull off any challenge. My outfit was totally wearable and my idea of a "Mean Girl" is a snooty uptight woman, the kind you might find in Bel-Air.I was a little disappointed because I ended up in the top two in this challenge alongside BARBIE. It's like comparing me with a bicycle without wheels, Lidia i feel would have been a much better match.
For the elimination challenge we had to include our shirt theme somehow into a new garment. Horrible. I had to transform an ugly duck into a swan. I was a little disappointed and frustrated because I wasn't 100% sure what a mean girl was and didn't know how they dressed. So I made my own version of a "mean girl." I think each one of us has some sort of mean girl quality inside us and we use it when it's convenient to disguise ourselves and stay in the social world we'd like to stay in. I ended up winning the challenge, but I think Lidia should have won because she was the wisest in this challenge.
I have realized that Havan, Danielle, and Anna think that they can go through life pushing and trampling everything that is in their way. The cameras do not show who they really are.
Barbie is not more than the competition but in all the ways that follow I'm thinking that Haven does not have anything in her head and it is contaminated by the aerosol that she uses for her hair but it's good because it acts like an exterminator and kills off all the flies. Kisses, Barbie.
I'm a professional designer with years of experience over and beyond some of my competitors. Although this challenge was outside of what I do in my normal day-to-day business, I'm a professional and can pull a little magic out of my hands to pull off any challenge. My outfit was totally wearable and my idea of a "Mean Girl" is a snooty uptight woman, the kind you might find in Bel-Air.I was a little disappointed because I ended up in the top two in this challenge alongside BARBIE. It's like comparing me with a bicycle without wheels, Lidia i feel would have been a much better match.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Love,LIfe,Liberty,Merlin Castell
Love, Life, Liberty, Merlin Castell
Thursday, May 28, 2009 – By Laura Medina, West Hollywood
West Hollywood, California (Thursday, May 28, 2009) - During Memorial Day weekend, we vegetate on the beach, the barbeque, or chilling in front of the tube.
Merlin Castell of WeHo, a contestant in Bravo’s “The Fashion Show.” WeHo News.
It takes an unlikely man to remind us the true meaning of the holiday. A man so passionate about freedom and liberty, it comes out of the blue, Merlin Castell, haute couture women’s’ wear and a contestant in Bravo’s “The Fashion Show.”
Taking a breather from doing rounds of contests and promotions, he offers a very rare glimpse into his soul, a candid tale of growing up gay in a small Honduran village to loving Los Angeles and America then competing on a television show in New York.
The usually extroverted Mr. Castell unexpectedly becomes introspective, calmly reflecting on his passage of being an immigrant, being gay in a free society then equating it with his patriotism for his adopted country.
In a middle of a banana field, a tiny village lines up for a polio vaccination. A weeping eight-year old Castell begs not to be poked. A missionary nurse promises him a comic book if he please stops. He did. As a reward, he got it but it was not a comic book. It was a Forties Vogue Magazine.
As a forlorn gay boy, the magazine’s glamour and art gave him the desire to dream about a bigger world beyond his humble village.
Growing up, his family did not have a television. They walked over to a neighbor to watch one. The simple act of watching television was so exhilarating. This too, gave him the ambition to visualize about all sorts of possibilities.
Merlin Castell of WeHo, a contestant in Bravo’s “The Fashion Show.” WeHo News.
As for that vintage Vogue, Castell proudly states it is still with him to this day. Actually, it is his bible. It goes everywhere with him from Honduras to Los Angeles to Milan then to Manhattan.
People ask him where he gets his ideas. He matter-of-factly replies he tries to stimulate the looks from that magazine.
Most people misconstrue his enthusiasm for flamboyance, his drive for egotism. If you do, do not worry. He treasures the freedom for fashion, art, and beauty and the opportunity to exceed. Something he could never do in his native Honduras.
“I was discriminated against because I was gay. I was interested in fashion; loved fashion; and everybody in school made fun of me.”
When he was eleven, Mr. Castell begun to customized the clothes his mother bought them.
“In school, nobody gets it.”
This is where having the freedom to be gay intersects with America’s liberties, the freedom of expression that exists only here.
Merlin Castell of WeHo, a contestant in Bravo’s “The Fashion Show.” WeHo News.
Underneath the flash, there is a fierce patriotism and love for the United States.
“I am so thankful I live in a country to be whoever I want to be and express myself. We (designers) are artists. I dress for myself. I dress in the way I like. I am different.”
Mr. Castell loves America. He treasures its choices and the acceptance of having the right to be an individual.
“From where I come from, there’s a lot of discrimination and problems. America, it’s like Candyland. Thank god, I have the opportunities. It’s worth it. People are amazing. Americans, they have everything here. It’s normal for them. Thank god, I live in this beautiful country.”
Being different means seeing the world in a different perspective, Mr. Castell is very worldly.
Milan disappointed him. For Castell, Europe is very conservative, commenting old people are very much in control. It was a let down.
In America, a person can rebel. You can express yourself.
Merlin Castell of WeHo, a contestant in Bravo’s “The Fashion Show.” WeHo News.
“It is young. It is fresh. You make your mark.”
For all the distracters who mock his image, his style, his accent, and his zeal, there is a depth of astuteness a few have witnessed.
Defending his image, Mr. Castell unintentionally reinforced his love of liberty.
“I read the postings and I’m shocked. People are making fun of my English and the way I dress. I have an “unique English.”
He is grateful this country gives him the chance to express himself, dressing for himself, no one else.
Appearing in a nationwide show, Mr. Castell sees this as good fortune to exhibit his mettle, “What I love, I have the opportunity to show I’m doing my own thing. I have the talent. I am the full package.”
Despite his “unique English,” Castell articulately elaborates on the rigmarole of being a contestant.
“In the competition, they don’t give any details until the last minute.”
In addition to only having six to seven hours to finish an outfit, they still have to make appearances and conduct interviews.
“We have a lot of pressure in the show, but it’s worth it.”
Merlin Castell of WeHo, a contestant in Bravo’s “The Fashion Show.” WeHo News.
Mr. Castell was disenchanted by his fellow contestants, flabbergasted by their conservatism, and how commercial they are.
“They’re brainwashed with commercialism. All those kids confused business with fashion. Commercialism, that’s business. Fashion, it’s fantasy. Let the managers handle the business. We (designers) have nothing to do with it. In life, go all the way. In the second episode, I did that.”
He states that it is the designer’s challenge to be original, bringing something new to the table. Despite setbacks, they still have to keep on going.
As for designing for Manhattan socialite, Tinsley Mortimer, this is old hat for him. He is used to designing for celebrities and Beverly Hills socialites but the everyday woman inspires him.
Looking out his hotel window, Castell talked about how beautiful Central Park is, right across the street from him.
New York is a real city. This is his first time in the Big Apple. Fearing the preconceived notion of rudeness, Castell was overcome by the local’s openness and friendliness. For him, it is a refreshing change of pace from the Hollywood scensters.
But, there is no place like LA. Mr. Castell misses working out at 24 Hour Fitness, sipping smoothies, wearing shorts and sandals while scooting around in the beautiful weather.
For him, nothing beats WeHo.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Fashion Show - Bravo Takes Another Shot… Discovers Something Jamming Barrel
Merlin -
“After attending architecture school in his home country Honduras, Merlin became head designer of his own label. Celebrity clients include Paula Abdul, N’ Sync, Paris Hilton, and Marilyn Manson.”
Merlin is my favorite, because I swear to God he keeps standing like that. I can’t get past this wording though. Became head designer of his own label? What the hell does that mean? Why did he not just - start his own label? I can’t get over the suspicion that he started his own label and very nearly did NOT become the head designer. He’s so purposely odd that somehow that rings true to me, despite not knowing what it could mean.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
PETER DAVIS' STATUS UPDATE: THE MAGIC OF MERLIN CASTELL
On Tuesday night at around 1 a.m. I watched the premiere episode of Bravo's Project Runway-esque The Fashion Show. I'm hooked. Here's why: 1. My friend, Fashion Week guru/IMG honcho Fern Mallis is a judge and Fern knows what she's talking about. 2. I'm also old pals with host Isaac Mizrahi who is reliably hilarious. 3. My sister-in-law Tinsley Mortimer is an upcoming guest judge (the designer hopefuls make a dress for her). 4. And finally, one name: Merlin, the 38-year-old contestant who is a snappy tyrant in crazy costumes. Honduran Merlin Castell is magical to watch. Anyone who dons capes, feathered hats and carries a riding crop gets my vote.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Daniella vs. Merlin-"The Fashion Show" Episode 1
it's the first challenge and the drama doesn't wait to get intense.
It's an Embarrassment-Merlin has strong words for this week's losing team, and surprisingly not for Daniella.
Its 5 a.m. and the phone rings. I wake up dizzy, after sleeping for six hours and suddenly hear the mysterious voice on the phone that always wakes us up “It’s 5 a.m., time to get up, wake up the others.”
Its elimination day, we have to bring our luggage in case it’s our time.
This time the challenge is to design a dress for a social occasion. I have to design a dress for a socialite that I have never heard of, and don’t even know what she does. The dress is for a luncheon she is attending, I’m not really sure what that means, but I am making a dress for a cocktail event. Suddenly I find out that my dress is for a meeting at 2 p.m., a day party. I quickly destroy my dress and transform it into something simple yet well done with my personal touch.
I think none of these people that are in this competition have the creativity to make a dress with the details, patterns, and interior construction. It’s like the fit of a door in a Mercedes-Benz; firm and secure.
My dress fits my model to perfection, which is beautiful; I’m not concerned about the end results. But with all this, we came out in second place. I think the people judging our designs are basing their judgment in what’s commercial and what’s in, and they are not considering new innovative design options and new concepts. However, I feel that my challenge is to dress today’s woman with today’s style vs. the future. Because it's clear that it’s not understandable but I think the competition gets better with each day. Not the best one will win, but the one that deserves it.
Daniella won today “la metralleta parlanchina.” That gives me an idea that people are voting for things they have seen on magazines and TV. I think that anyone can put on a jumpsuit, a high wasted skirt, any black dress on any photo shoot or model that has already been seen. I personally didn’t see any creativity in the winning garment, but I think that’s the concept of this competition. Anyways, I think that is fantastic and personally I am glad that Daniella is happy in her new team, and I hope she enjoys it.
I think the losing team today was one big mess, and more than one person had to be eliminated starting with the leader. What they presented was an embarrassment in construction, creativity, and wearable was a disaster. And the worse is they don’t take it as a warning lesson instead they take it as a joke. It’s an insult to what we represent as designers. It’s an embarrassment.
Its elimination day, we have to bring our luggage in case it’s our time.
This time the challenge is to design a dress for a social occasion. I have to design a dress for a socialite that I have never heard of, and don’t even know what she does. The dress is for a luncheon she is attending, I’m not really sure what that means, but I am making a dress for a cocktail event. Suddenly I find out that my dress is for a meeting at 2 p.m., a day party. I quickly destroy my dress and transform it into something simple yet well done with my personal touch.
I think none of these people that are in this competition have the creativity to make a dress with the details, patterns, and interior construction. It’s like the fit of a door in a Mercedes-Benz; firm and secure.
My dress fits my model to perfection, which is beautiful; I’m not concerned about the end results. But with all this, we came out in second place. I think the people judging our designs are basing their judgment in what’s commercial and what’s in, and they are not considering new innovative design options and new concepts. However, I feel that my challenge is to dress today’s woman with today’s style vs. the future. Because it's clear that it’s not understandable but I think the competition gets better with each day. Not the best one will win, but the one that deserves it.
Daniella won today “la metralleta parlanchina.” That gives me an idea that people are voting for things they have seen on magazines and TV. I think that anyone can put on a jumpsuit, a high wasted skirt, any black dress on any photo shoot or model that has already been seen. I personally didn’t see any creativity in the winning garment, but I think that’s the concept of this competition. Anyways, I think that is fantastic and personally I am glad that Daniella is happy in her new team, and I hope she enjoys it.
I think the losing team today was one big mess, and more than one person had to be eliminated starting with the leader. What they presented was an embarrassment in construction, creativity, and wearable was a disaster. And the worse is they don’t take it as a warning lesson instead they take it as a joke. It’s an insult to what we represent as designers. It’s an embarrassment.
Talk of the Town
he First Day
Today was a marvelous day. My biggest surprise was when Izaac Mizrahi appeared. He’s incredible and I have always admired him. It feels very good to have him as a judge. I don’t know, but if you notice all other “designers” showed up with their best look that identifies them, and I busted out laughing: someone should tell them tsunami time is over.
My dress made with that cheap t-shirt wasn’t that bad. I came out in third place. I don’t accept it but I do think my dress looked more like a dress than any of the other dresses. It deserved the first place. That dress was very pretty and feminine; it deserved it, in comparison to the other dresses.
I imagine I am the talk of the town, people are jealous of what I wear, but what can I say I am an artist. And what? A little eccentric. Well, actually, a lot, God forgive me for that, but that’s me and specially for someone that comes from a place where style is not a big a deal – but please, someone tell these kids that having style doesn’t mean to copy from a magazine or wear something thinking that it’s the best.
Well, I’m having fun and with all these kids, the truth is that maybe they don’t have designer style but I do have to admit they do have talent.
The First Elimination
The one item that you must have in your closet is a jacket. Modern, simple and that goes with your personality. One that goes with everything.
I am very happy to have done a good job with my group. From the start I wasn’t too interested on my project. Maybe because I was safe, or because I didn’t understand the challenge. But oh well. I got it too late, when I had already screwed up and bought that horrible fabric.
In regards to Daniella, I can’t wait to see the time when she’s done and packs up her bags to go.
From the beginning she was a pain in the ass. A big mistake OR big disaster! All the time she was sabotaging my team just to call attention. But I, personally, don’t think she has talent. I think Lidia pretends to be weak in order to be unnoticed, but in reality she’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. She applies little sheep technique but in reality she is using the wrong strategy and it won’t surprise me if she is the next one to hang her last garment.
In regards to the judges. Honestly I agree with the decision they made and how Kelly handled the situation. In her position, I would’ve done the same. I think I was immature and I got caught up in the moment with emotions, and after everything happened, I felt really bad.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Merlin Castell: Los triunfos de un hondureño
Merlin Castell: Los triunfos de un hondureño
El diseñador originario de Sonaguera, Colón va al reality “The fashion show” de Bravo TV
17.04.09 - Actualizado: 18.04.09 12:06pm - Sabino Gámez. Redacción La Prensa: sabino.vega@laprensa.hn
CALIFICAR Actualmente 2/5 Estrellas.12345calificacion actual: 2 votos: 3 3 comentarios Imprimir Enviar
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Da gusto saber de los triunfos de uno de los nuestros y más si es una persona a la que le hemos seguido la pista desde que se inició en el mundo de la moda internacional.
Famoso por su excéntrico estilo de vestir y diseñar, Merlin Castell, nacido en Sonaguera, Colón, y residente en Los Ángeles, es uno de los 15 diseñadores escogidos por la cadena norteamericana de televisión Bravo para el reality "The fashion show", una nueva versión de "Project Runway".
Este hondureño, bautizado por LA PRENSA como el "John Galliano latino" por su inconfundible estilo en pasarela, fue escogido por la famosa televisora para ser parte del grupo de modistas que protagonizarán la primera temporada del programa, cuyo estreno mundial es el 7 de mayo en el canal Bravo.
Merlin Castell es el primer hondureño afincado en EUA que participa en un reality show de tal magnitud. "Es un honor. Es una oportunidad que jamás me esperé porque trabajé con Janice Dickinson en su programa "Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency" que es muy visto y ahora, lograr esto es algo que me llena de orgullo porque nada es imposible en la vida", dijo en exclusiva a Vivir en Rosa en comunicación telefónica.
Cuento de hadas
Merlin fue un niño criado en Sonaguera, Colón. Desde muy chico le confeccionaba ropa a las muñecas de barro que su hermana le hacía. Nunca dejó de soñar y convertirse en alguien famoso y hoy, gracias a su tenacidad, lo está logrando.
Su nombre original es Merlin Castellón, tiene 38 años y es catalogado por muchos que lo conocen como un personaje exigente y perfeccionista con él mismo. Los fashionistas lo llaman "El mago de la moda" por su increíble capacidad para diseñar.
"Me encanta hacer cosas que estén bien hechas. Soy de los que si inician algo lo hacen bien, sino es mejor ni comenzarlo", recalca.
Castell además de ser un buen diseñador es un experto en el dibujo. En su niñez recuerda que le fascinaba dibujar castillos y mansiones en la tierra del patio de su casa en el pueblo de Isletas junto a su hermana Leyda, quien hoy es estilista.
Uno de los desafíos que tuvo que enfrentar en su vida fue dejar aquella calma de su hogar liderado por su madre y junto a sus seis hermanos emprendieron un nuevo rumbo en su vida tras el paso del huracán Fifí en el año de 1970. Se trasladaron a vivir a las sabanas de Isletas.
El tiempo pasó y con ello la mudanza volvió a la vida de la familia Castellón. Esta vez decidieron vivir en Tegucigalpa, ya que su madre estaba enferma y urgía de atención médica.
Cuando cumplió los nueve años, el dibujo se volvió más que un pasatiempo, una pasión.
"Yo pensaba que iba a ser caricaturista, pero siempre terminaba dibujando ropa con ideas que tomaba de programas que veía en televisión, como el Chavo del 8, de las telenovelas y del programa de Verónica Castro "Mala noche no", afirma con cierta nostalgia.
Fue en ese justo momento en que comenzó a diseñar prendas para él, que eran manufacturadas por una costurera amiga de su madre.
Retos y trabajo
Los ideales de aquel inquieto niño no se limitaron a diseñar sus propias prendas. Quería más y más. Es por ello que le pidió ayuda a su madre para ingresar a una escuela bilingüe para aprender inglés y además, recibir enseñanza sobre el idioma italiano.
Gracias al pequeño comedor que su progenitora poseía, esto fue posible hasta cierto tiempo. Los ingresos económicos de la familia Castellón no fueron suficientes y fue así como él tuvo que cambiar los "lujos de ese entonces" por la modesta educación que ofrecían las escuelas públicas.
Ya como adulto joven, Merlin no dejó desvanecer sus sueños y gracias a su pasión por el dibujo decide estudiar arquitectura. Fueron cuatro años de intensa preparación y en ese justo momento, su vida toma un giro distinto.
A la vida de Merlin llega el viaje a México que aprovechó no sólo para especializarse en la carrera que había decidido estudiar, sino buscar sus ideales en otro país.
Su meta de consagrarse como arquitecto quedó en un segundo plano, porque ya en México se enamoró aún más del diseño de modas, carrera que culminó con éxito en una institución de alta costura.
Con el tiempo viajó a Italia y aquellos estudios del idioma italiano le abrieron puertas fácilmente para seguir perfeccionando y aprendiendo las técnicas innovadoras en la Universidad Marangoni, una de las escuelas de diseño con mayor prestigio en Milán. Desde casi nueve años viajó a Los Ángeles, donde radica y está construyendo una carrera en el diseño de modas muy admirada por los fashionistas.
La colección más reciente de Castell llamada las superestrellas "galácticas" fue inspirada por la película "Barbarella" con el gusto extravagante y sabor del incomparable Juan Galliano.
Castell se define a sí mismo como camaleón, quien continúa reinventándose uno mismo cada nueva temporada. Debido a esto, las revistas y colegas lo han reconocido en el mundo competitivo de la moda.
Ocho son hombres y siete mujeres que tendrán que realizar diferentes desafíos en busca del mejor diseñador.
El diseñador originario de Sonaguera, Colón va al reality “The fashion show” de Bravo TV
17.04.09 - Actualizado: 18.04.09 12:06pm - Sabino Gámez. Redacción La Prensa: sabino.vega@laprensa.hn
CALIFICAR Actualmente 2/5 Estrellas.12345calificacion actual: 2 votos: 3 3 comentarios Imprimir Enviar
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Da gusto saber de los triunfos de uno de los nuestros y más si es una persona a la que le hemos seguido la pista desde que se inició en el mundo de la moda internacional.
Famoso por su excéntrico estilo de vestir y diseñar, Merlin Castell, nacido en Sonaguera, Colón, y residente en Los Ángeles, es uno de los 15 diseñadores escogidos por la cadena norteamericana de televisión Bravo para el reality "The fashion show", una nueva versión de "Project Runway".
Este hondureño, bautizado por LA PRENSA como el "John Galliano latino" por su inconfundible estilo en pasarela, fue escogido por la famosa televisora para ser parte del grupo de modistas que protagonizarán la primera temporada del programa, cuyo estreno mundial es el 7 de mayo en el canal Bravo.
Merlin Castell es el primer hondureño afincado en EUA que participa en un reality show de tal magnitud. "Es un honor. Es una oportunidad que jamás me esperé porque trabajé con Janice Dickinson en su programa "Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency" que es muy visto y ahora, lograr esto es algo que me llena de orgullo porque nada es imposible en la vida", dijo en exclusiva a Vivir en Rosa en comunicación telefónica.
Cuento de hadas
Merlin fue un niño criado en Sonaguera, Colón. Desde muy chico le confeccionaba ropa a las muñecas de barro que su hermana le hacía. Nunca dejó de soñar y convertirse en alguien famoso y hoy, gracias a su tenacidad, lo está logrando.
Su nombre original es Merlin Castellón, tiene 38 años y es catalogado por muchos que lo conocen como un personaje exigente y perfeccionista con él mismo. Los fashionistas lo llaman "El mago de la moda" por su increíble capacidad para diseñar.
"Me encanta hacer cosas que estén bien hechas. Soy de los que si inician algo lo hacen bien, sino es mejor ni comenzarlo", recalca.
Castell además de ser un buen diseñador es un experto en el dibujo. En su niñez recuerda que le fascinaba dibujar castillos y mansiones en la tierra del patio de su casa en el pueblo de Isletas junto a su hermana Leyda, quien hoy es estilista.
Uno de los desafíos que tuvo que enfrentar en su vida fue dejar aquella calma de su hogar liderado por su madre y junto a sus seis hermanos emprendieron un nuevo rumbo en su vida tras el paso del huracán Fifí en el año de 1970. Se trasladaron a vivir a las sabanas de Isletas.
El tiempo pasó y con ello la mudanza volvió a la vida de la familia Castellón. Esta vez decidieron vivir en Tegucigalpa, ya que su madre estaba enferma y urgía de atención médica.
Cuando cumplió los nueve años, el dibujo se volvió más que un pasatiempo, una pasión.
"Yo pensaba que iba a ser caricaturista, pero siempre terminaba dibujando ropa con ideas que tomaba de programas que veía en televisión, como el Chavo del 8, de las telenovelas y del programa de Verónica Castro "Mala noche no", afirma con cierta nostalgia.
Fue en ese justo momento en que comenzó a diseñar prendas para él, que eran manufacturadas por una costurera amiga de su madre.
Retos y trabajo
Los ideales de aquel inquieto niño no se limitaron a diseñar sus propias prendas. Quería más y más. Es por ello que le pidió ayuda a su madre para ingresar a una escuela bilingüe para aprender inglés y además, recibir enseñanza sobre el idioma italiano.
Gracias al pequeño comedor que su progenitora poseía, esto fue posible hasta cierto tiempo. Los ingresos económicos de la familia Castellón no fueron suficientes y fue así como él tuvo que cambiar los "lujos de ese entonces" por la modesta educación que ofrecían las escuelas públicas.
Ya como adulto joven, Merlin no dejó desvanecer sus sueños y gracias a su pasión por el dibujo decide estudiar arquitectura. Fueron cuatro años de intensa preparación y en ese justo momento, su vida toma un giro distinto.
A la vida de Merlin llega el viaje a México que aprovechó no sólo para especializarse en la carrera que había decidido estudiar, sino buscar sus ideales en otro país.
Su meta de consagrarse como arquitecto quedó en un segundo plano, porque ya en México se enamoró aún más del diseño de modas, carrera que culminó con éxito en una institución de alta costura.
Con el tiempo viajó a Italia y aquellos estudios del idioma italiano le abrieron puertas fácilmente para seguir perfeccionando y aprendiendo las técnicas innovadoras en la Universidad Marangoni, una de las escuelas de diseño con mayor prestigio en Milán. Desde casi nueve años viajó a Los Ángeles, donde radica y está construyendo una carrera en el diseño de modas muy admirada por los fashionistas.
La colección más reciente de Castell llamada las superestrellas "galácticas" fue inspirada por la película "Barbarella" con el gusto extravagante y sabor del incomparable Juan Galliano.
Castell se define a sí mismo como camaleón, quien continúa reinventándose uno mismo cada nueva temporada. Debido a esto, las revistas y colegas lo han reconocido en el mundo competitivo de la moda.
Ocho son hombres y siete mujeres que tendrán que realizar diferentes desafíos en busca del mejor diseñador.
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