Helen Castillo Autumn/Winter 2018 at New York Fashion Week

Designer Helen Castillo, currently on season six of "Project Runway All Stars," presented her Autumn/Winter 2018 collection at 230 Fifth Penthouse during New York Fashion Week, with Smashbox Cosmetics, Yantra Beauty, M4D3 Shoes and Heart of Gold Designs Accessories sponsoring the presentation.

For Autumn/Winter 2018, Helen Castillo was inspired by Hedy Lamarr, one of the founding persons of the GPS system during World War II. Lamarr was a revolutionary in technological advances as well as an empowering figure on and off the big screen. 

Lamarr was often portrayed as a 'glamorous seductress with foreign origin' in her Hollywood debut films. Lamarr's boredom from playing these roles as a sensual typecast character exhausted her, with her curiosity leading her on the path to invention, and to date is one of the most underrated inventors in history.

The concept of women being undermined in history inspired the collection to 'stir the pot,' to throw off the axis, that there is a strength in beauty, in sensuality, and that should never be taken for granted. The power of sex appeal should be admired, and not stereotyped or manipulated. 

With the recent uprising in Women for Women's rights movements, Castillo creates timeless silhouettes that not only provide a sense of belonging with the group but to embrace the female form as a beautiful and strong force to be reckoned with. 

Castillo's collection features evening gowns that play off the curves of the body, with looks including sequins, pinstripes, draping details and a satin bustier with vintage fox fur stoles. 

Photo credit: Melinda DiMauro Photography for Helen Castillo

- Kim Weling