Meet Erin Castle of Highland Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Castle.

Hi Erin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a professional tailor, designer and founder of swimwear line California High.
Based in Los Angeles, my design approach is rooted in respect for the planet, bygone stylistic eras, subcultures, niche art/music/film, and the idea that dressing should be fun and expressive at any age.

I was born and raised in the central coast of California to a family of fishermen and surfers, so it’s no
surprise that the beach plays a central theme in my work. My debut line with California
High is a carefree homage to my ‘80s and ‘90s childhood spent at the beach, with a single speaker boom box and a few cassette tapes.

My nearly life-long career in fashion was initially born out of part necessity. Learning to sew was
essential as new clothes were reserved for back to school and Christmas only, not to mention I was 5’10 by age 13. What started as a life skill quickly flourished into a means of self-expression, customizing my big sister’s hand-me-downs and various thrift store items.

After obtaining a BFA in Fashion Design at OTIS College of Art in Design in Los Angeles, I found myself
working various positions within the fashion industry, from pattern-making, tech design, merchandising, to finally associate and head design positions. I never really found my perfect “fit” within the industry. Most positions were behind a computer, filled with emails and spreadsheets, where my talents were decidedly hands on and tactile.

I transitioned to work as a tailor on reality shows, low budget music videos, and random jobs with some stylist friends. This experience of fitting talent firsthand solidified the transformative power of well-made clothing. As productions slowed in early 2020, sewing continued to be a connective thread for me with the launch of California High: a line founded on the radical idea that swimwear should be fun and feel good regardless of age or shape.

I continue to work as a tailor to A list celebrities in tandem with making fun, high quality, flattering swimwear in the spring and summer months. Expressing myself creatively through swimwear is the cornerstone of my joy and self expression.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My career has NOT been linear. There were many points where I felt like I needed to change direction, especially when I was working in corporate fashion. I felt like a square peg being forced into a round hole. I was scared to give up because of all of the sacrifices and hard work I had put into obtaining my degree and getting my foot through the door. But I knew I wasn’t happy or fulfilled by the work, I had no emotional connection to the products I was in charge of developing. Many times I felt lost and like I was failing. I fell deeper into alcoholism trying to reconcile my unhappiness in my career. The people I worked with were unhappy, in debt, and stressed out, and so was I. So I walked away in 2016 to start my life over. I got sober, went back into the service industry for a few years, and continued to work on personal projects in my home studio.

When covid came about, everything superfluous fell away and I was left with my studio and ample time to flesh out any ideas I had. That’s when the seeds were planted for my swimsuit line. I spent about a year focusing on sewing techniques and fabrications. Then in 2021 my tailoring career took off, and it felt like I was strapped to a rocket ship.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I work as a tailor to various figures in the entertainment industry, as well as design and produce a swimwear line in Los Angles. I specialize in emphasizing the aesthetic qualities of each unique individual through technical execution, problem solving, and design. I’m known for high quality work, as well as having a down to earth, relatable personality that creates a comfortable and fun work environment. Half of my job is personality based, you are selling yourself along with your talents/products. I really value being authentic, kind, and a little silly.

I’m most proud of my work ethic. When I was in design school, the chair of our department would tell us that it’s not about being the most talented or having the best idea. It was about how hard you worked, and how consistent you were. It took me years to really understand what that REALLY meant when I started working for myself as a tailor with a swimwear side business. There have been countless weeks of work with no days off, long nights paired with early mornings, travel, and then periods of time with no work at all. Knowing how to self start and manage your time efficiently is essential. I’m still learning how to do it all.

I believe what sets me apart from the others is a combination of my attention to detail, quality of work, and personality. As I’ve aged I’ve become more discerning of where i direct my energy, I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to select who and what I give my creative energy to.

What were you like growing up?
I feel incredibly lucky to grow up when and where i did. I lead a very “free range” childhood, filled with lots of outdoor activities, biking, swimming, working with animals, reading, and absorbing pop culture. My big sister and I were very independent as kids, often navigating on our own after school and on the weekends. She influenced much of my music interests growing up, as we shared a room into our mid teen years.

I’ve always had a big imagination and rich inner life. Books, music, and movies had a huge influence on my sensibilities. I was also a very deep feeler, and music was essential for me to navigate my big emotions growing up (as well as now).

My sister and I were members of our local 4-H group for many years. For those who don’t know, 4-H is an agricultural club that also focuses on homesteading and hard skills like sewing and cooking. I took many years of cooking, cake decorating, and sewing classes through 4-H, as well as raising and showing lambs and rabbits at our local Mid-State fair. This club was very formative and shaped my relationship with accountability, responsibility, and hard work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopcaliforniahigh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopcaliforniahigh/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/californiahigh69

Image Credits
Michael B Jordan photo by @tayojr
Sabrina Carpenter: from her IG uncredited
Dwyane Wade: from his IG uncredited
Storm Reid: from her IG uncredited