White Paper by (Spain) - English
Carolina Castiglioni Plan C
You launched PLAN C three years ago. What was that process like? It has been a natural evolution from my previous experience. When Cynthia and I left Marni we took some time before going back to work, but we often discussed that it would be a shame to leave it all behind. We didn’t have anything specific in mind, but we did want to embark on a new adventure according to our own rules. A sustainable and relatively small business that would allow us to balance work with our private lives. And when we felt ready, it happened. We already had the knowledge and experience, so getting our businesses off the ground was easy. We have a very clear idea of what we want.
Where does the brand name come from? It’s a play on words. C comes from Carolina and Castiglioni, but it’s also the third plan after A (Ciwifur, the leather company my grandparents founded) and B (Marni).
Plan C is based on the principle that fashion transcends seasons. I have always tried to create clothes with charm, that women would keep with care and wear for a long time, combining them to create new styles. It is a contemporary closet, evolving season after season with garments of simple, unique and timeless elegance. I like the idea of my customers combining garments from different collections. That’s why I have a lot of overstock that I keep putting on sale, and I only make two collections a year. I don’t want to produce too many garments. Plan C is oblivious to trends.
What makes an outfit special is not a color by itself, but the unexpected combinations. What I like most is juxtaposing blocks of color with geometric prints
Where does your collection for next fall come from? ? I have explored more sculptural volumes and bright color combinations. The gold piece is a turtleneck knit sweater in several models that combine different variations of neon color blocks. Each of the looks is layered, which is also an intentional statement. Starting this fall we will be launching a footwear collection in collaboration with Him Co., a top manufacturer that will help us with the production and distribution of the footwear line.
Your creations depart from traditional femininity by adhering to a typically masculine aesthetic (oversize patterns, wide bermudas, military boots, high collars, etc.) that incorporates feminine details (wide heels, floral prints, board skirts, and pichis). The result is an elusive and subtle femininity. In your opinion, do gender stereotypes still exist in fashion? How do you reach the point where your designs are both comfortable and attractive? I design by thinking about what I would wear myself. My creative process is very instinctive. I wear a lot of men’s clothes, especially shirts and blazers, and I transfer these preferences to my collections by combining masculine (fabrics, plaid, and striped shirts) and feminine (flowers, miniskirts, bright colors...) in a shocking way. This way I feel comfortable and special at the same time, sophisticated without being too feminine. I think we should always wear special garments that are easy to wear.
What role does color play in your work? What makes an outfit special is not a color by itself, but the unexpected combinations. What I like most is juxtaposing blocks of color with geometric prints.
You always design huge bags. Is that a statement of principles to define a busy woman, with a lot more to do than dress? I’m a practical woman, of course. I have two children and I take them to school every morning before going to the office. I move from one part of town to another on my motorcycle and I carry a lot of things with me. Also, personally, I love big bags. The highlight of our accessories line is a series of coated canvas bags that is already iconic.
What is the most important thing you learned from your mother? To think with my head and go with my gut.
Where would you like to take Plan C five years from now? I’d like to add new product and lifestyle lines according to my own interests: interior design, accessories...
How did you decide to launch a jewelry brand? It all started at La Casita, during a vacation in the Caribbean, when I felt the need to wear a necklace that reminded me of home. I located what was probably the only jewelry artisan on the island, and that was the start of Aliita.
How would you describe the spirit of Aliita? My designs are aimed at modern, independent, unconventional women. Someone who doesn’t take things too seriously and enjoys mixing fun with irony.
Almost all of your pieces are tiny and very thin, which contrasts with the basic axiom of maximalism: “more is more.” Is this a conscious decision? Totally! Our most popular line, PURA, is made up of many tiny pieces with a strong identity, and therein, possibly, lies the difference. On the other hand, we have larger rings, such as the Diaspro model, which can also appeal to maximalist customers. My collections have evolved and today Aliita brings together different types of customers. The small size is an impediment when it comes to capturing attention. What are your strategies to achieve it?