Castillo - More Than Lanvin

Although best known for his work as the Castillo of the Lanvin-Castillo brand, Antonio del Castillo enjoyed considerable success prior to his Lanvin years.

Illustration for Lanvin Castillo Stockings by Rene Gruau in 1959
Lanvin Castillo Stockings Ad
Illustration by René Gruau 1959

Fleeing the Spanish Civil War, Antonio del Castillo arrived in Paris in 1936 where he found work designing couture fashions with Robert Piguet and accessories for Coco Chanel.

Robert Piguet is recognized as giving Christian Dior his big break in 1937. Besides Castillo, Piguet also is know for giving early starts to James Galanos, Pierre Balmain, and Hubert de Givenchy.

Illustration of Beautiful Woman in Pink Evening Gown 1948 Ad for Fracas Parfum by Robert Piguet in Collaboration with Germaine Cellier
Robert Piguet in Collaboration With Germaine Cellier
Fracas Parfum 1948

Since the early 1950s, Robert Piguet has been associated exclusively with fragrances.


Taking over the reins as head designer for the House of Paquin upon Ana de Pombo's departure in 1942, Castillo successfully designed their couture collections until 1945.
1946 evening gown designed by Antonio Castillo for Winter Collection at House of Paquin
Winter 1946 Collection House of Paquin
Antonio Castillo Fashion Designer
©National Gallery of Victoria

In October, 1945 Castillo left Paris for New York where he was the designer for the Elizabeth Arden Fashion Floor, the couture branch of their cosmetic and fragrance house.

Elizabeth Arden Cosmetic Ad from 1948 for Crimson Lilac Lipstick.. Model is wearing  Antonio Castillo designed gown
Elizabeth Arden 1948 Ad for Crimson Lilac
Antonio Castillo Gown

Castillo created made to order fashions for five years with Elizabeth Arden when he received an invitation from Jeanne Lanvin's daughter to revitalize the House of Lanvin.

During his time with Lanvin, Castillo trained young assistant designers. Oscar de la Renta and Dominic Toubeix were among his protégés.

Model in winter coat designed by Castillo for Jeanne Lanvin 1951. Photo by Philippe Pottier
Jeanne Lanvin (Castillo) 1951
Photo by Philippe Pottier

Model in Evening Gown designed by Castillo for Jeanne Lanvin 1955
Jeanne Lanvin (Castillo) 1955

Model in Jeanne Lanvin (Castillo) Evening Gown. Photo by Guy Arsac 1955
Jeanne Lanvin (Castillo) 1955 Evening Gown
Photo by Guy Arsac

Lanvin Castillo 1957 Ad for Rhodia Cocktail Dress
Lanvin Castillo 1957 "Rhodia"

Castillo opened his own fashion house in 1964 designing for private clients and costumes for movies and the theater.

Black chantilly lace cocktail dress on mannequin for Castillo Paris 1962-1963
Castillo Paris 1962-1963
©Live Auctioneers

Castillo won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design in 1971 for his work along with Yvonne Blake in the film Nicholas and Alexandra.

Castillo died in 1984.

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