11 Questions for... James Castle

James Castle, fashion designer from England, in Berlin for eight years.

02. What did you want to be when you were little and why?

Architect. My parents did some major renovations on our house and I found the planning and design process very exciting, both in terms of how the house would look and how it would function as a place to live.

03.What do you like about your work or what makes it special?

I can be creative and experiment. If I have an idea, I can try it out. Not every idea can be implemented, but when something works out and I'm then standing in front of the finished piece, it's a great satisfaction. Besides, it feels good to have something in my hand that I have made myself after all the pondering.

04. ...and what not at all?

I spend a lot of time cutting out paper, leather, fabric. That's part of it, but I could do without it.

05. What is your most important work tool?

I wouldn't get far without my sewing machine.

06. What is the most beautiful thing about your workplace?

The cans of hardware for my bags. My favorite right now are the brass buckles that are from England and adorn the newest bag I designed.

07. Where do you get your ideas? What inspires you?

Ideas can come from anywhere, but often I design a bag with a specific person in mind who inspires me.

08. What has gone really wrong in the last few months?

I think it's normal in a small company for things to go haywire all the time. What really robs me of sleep at night is when things are going badly at Arsenal, my soccer team.

09. What's your next goal? What projects are coming up?

There are always projects lying around that are half started, and one goal is to get more organized and implement more of the half projects completely. Next, I think I'll design a beach bag. It doesn't feel like it right now, but next summer is coming!

"Berlin has an openness that doesn't exist in London like that"

10. You're originally from England. What do Berlin and Germany have for you in terms of product design and fashion that England doesn't?

Berlin has a lot of creative talent coming together and I like the collaborative spirit. The city has an openness that doesn't exist in London. People are much more willing to share their experiences and expertise.

11. Berlin Fashion Week is currently taking place. How do you see Berlin as a fashion city? How relevant is Fashion Week for you as a fashion designer?

I think it's very positive that so many people from all over the world come to Berlin for the trade shows, I just don't see them visiting Fashion Week as well. There is a lot of promise in the Berlin fashion scene that it has not yet delivered on as much as it could. For me personally and my label, Fashion Week has no special importance, but I hope that will change in the future.

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