Exciting news from Castro, the Israeli fashion brand, which has announced that it has recruited none other than the celebrated designer Alon Livné to join its local studio team. Are intriguing surprises on the way? Definitely. Here’s what we know.
A fresh chapter is unfolding in the Israeli fashion scene as successful fashion designer Alon Livné joins the ranks of Castro’s designers. The brand’s design studio has brought on the renowned designer, and together, they are expected to launch a new and surprising collaboration—while Livné continues working at his personal studio and flagship store in Tel Aviv. So, if you’re a bride-to-be, you can breathe easy—Livné will continue his regular work as usual, and his daily routine isn’t expected to change.
It’s still unclear when the collaboration will begin, how many collections there will be, or how long it will last—it’s too early to say. What we do know is that Livné will work on the next project alongside Castro’s diligent design team, which includes the studio’s lead art director, Noy Dror. Dror, who was appointed to the prestigious role in 2021, has significantly shifted Castro’s “outdated” image.
The long-standing brand (active since the 1950s) has refined Israeli taste over the years, expanding its nationwide store network and advancing into social media and digital realms. However, at one point, the Israeli giant fell behind—way behind—so much so that the highlight of recent years was the children’s department, established in 2013, which was considered successful from day one. Meanwhile, the women’s and men’s departments didn’t always meet expectations, at least among style-seekers from Metula to Eilat. That was until Dror took charge and initiated noticeable changes.
As Castro’s lead designer, Dror successfully brought the brand back to the forefront, marking a much-needed refresh and rebranding. Until her appointment, the creative aspect was managed by Eti Rotter, daughter of the company’s founders and majority owners, along with a lineup of Israeli designers who steered the brand with a firm hand.
The recent revival has been evident in the cohesive design language, blending modern trends with timeless pieces, offering a wide variety of styles for different audiences in numerous cuts and specialized collections. That said, Livné’s arrival—given that his designs have already graced the wardrobes of Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, and Lady Gaga (the name-dropping could go on forever)—is a surprising development. This exciting hire will be a significant boost for the veteran Israeli brand, which continues to think outside the box in creative ways.
