Designer's love of the beach inspires Escapada brand

Natalia Castillo, a local designer, discovered her dreams along a path she least expected. After graduating from Emory University with her eye on medical school, Castillo accepted a job offer from Macy's that launched her career. She worked her way up through the fashion industry and recently introduced her newest brand, Escapada. The women's resort wear clothing line already has reached 225 retailers nationwide, and it's drawn praise. The founder and CEO of the Charleston-based company talks to Charleston Scene about Escapada and her true love for the beach.

Q: How long have you been in the fashion industry?

A: I had gone to school with the intent of going to medical school. I didn't really consider any other options. Then I didn't get into med school, luckily. I took a job at Macy's and I ended up loving it. I was sort of sucked in.

Q: How did the Escapada brand emerge?

A: I took time off to travel. And while doing that, I really found myself going back into clothing. I wasn't ready to let go, and that is when I came to create Escapada. It was purely inspired by traveling around the world and being drawn back into clothing.

Q: What does Escapada mean in Spanish and why did you choose the name for your brand?

A: To escape. When I was traveling, it captured everything that I was looking to create. I love what it means. I love clothing and I love travel. The name captures everything that I love.

Q: What is the best feature about Escapada clothing?

A: I would say it probably is the value that we offer to the customer. We have beautiful embellished and detailed garments at a very affordable price and that is important right now. People are not spending money like they use to.

Q: What inspires your pieces?

A: Most come from my travels. I have traveled pretty extensively. I was in Brazil in March and I was inspired by the people and the lifestyle. The 2011 line very much resembles that inspiration.

Q: Why did you choose to create a resort wear line?

A: I love the beach. Summer is my favorite season. I love being on an island. I am so drawn to the lifestyle. I can't imagine designing anything else. I don't love fall or winter. I can't even develop products for those seasons. I sort of live in the summer. Developing this line allows me to live in the summertime, all the time.

Q: Where can locals find the Escapada line?

A: Within the Charleston area, we have clothing at Mary Mojo in Mount Pleasant, Sally Bettes in Charleston and Coastal Palms on Kiawah.

Q: How did you create a relationship with retailers who have never heard of your brand before?

A: Actually, I individually approached them. I said that the line was a perfect resort wear product. And when the selling was so good, they reordered. It is very easy to sell because it is priced too well. The prints are fun, colorful, happy and easy to wear.

More info

websites: twitter.com/EscapadaLiving, www.facebook.com/EscapadaLiving.

Next event: Escapada Beach Launch Party, 6-8 p.m. Aug. 25 at Market Pavilion Rooftop Bar, featuring local jewelry designer Hyla Dewitt and pastry chef Jennifer Meintel of Twenty Six Divine. For ticket info, e-mail jesseescapada@gmail.com.