The Orocéo Castro aesthetic is a balance of modern prep and uptown chic, and designer Paolo Castro is a perfectionist when it comes to delicate details and refined finishes. His latest collection 'Sanctum' is an accurate reflection of the Orocéo Castro brand and the most personal offering from Paolo to date.
Sanctum is a visual representation of Paolo's journey through depression and anxiety, and an ode to loved ones going through the same battle. It illustrates the dichotomy of fragility and strength of the human mind and reflects ideologies on mental health.
Paolo's fondness for a neutral palette remains, and he shows restraint with colours and prints to represent the darkness and struggle associated with depression and anxiety. Stripes are a part of the brand's DNA and will always be present in Orocéo Castro collections, but the Sanctum stripe is rigid and dark, representing the feeling of being caged in a psychological void.
For many fashion designers, the struggle between creativity and commercialism is very real. For Paolo, Sanctum is an emotional journey from the darkness to the light, voicing the struggles that anyone from any background in any profession, can face in the modern world.
As silhouettes transform, so too does Sanctum's symbolism as it shifts towards positivity, and new lines and shapes gradually sneak in to represent the resilience of the human psyche. Through his experiences over the past year and his journey through the design process of Sanctum, Paolo illustrates the many different ways to cope with depression and anxiety.
The Sanctum collection defines the ultimate Orocéo Castro girl too; a modern superwoman who expertly juggles multiple tasks with grace. She understands that style and comfort can go hand in hand and that one doesn't have to be compromised to attain the other. She opts for the feminine and polished look, and she knows that there is power in femininity. She does not feel the need to adopt a masculine approach to her dressing sense to exude strength, and she knows the power of her inner peace.
Support Australian designers and shop the latest Orocéo Castro Sanctum range here.
The Fashion Advocate x
