Since the late sixties the fantastically eccentric French designer Jean Charles De Castelbajac, has been creating beautifully bizarre fashions bursting with colours so vibrant, they have made millions of eyes pop in delight!

With such flamboyant yet innovative approaches to fabric assembly, De Castelbajac has proven over the years that his clothes really are a pop art lovers dream. His design ethos is of that of an unashamed playful streak, which appears to be entwined in his lifelong working style as a designer. De Castelbajac’s penchant for graphics, print and imagery compliment his bold and kitsch fashion statements beautifully with the successful culmination of figurative elements and contrasting fabrics. His designs bear a constant antithesis in design, with some of his past creations emblazoned with graphics praising cult figures such as John Travolta, Natalie Portman and Barack Obama. You can pick up some of the watches featured above here

Most recently at Radio One’s big Weekend, Marina Lambrini Diamandis aka Marina & The Diamonds was seen sporting one of De Castelbajac’s creations, a stunning silk kaftan dress featuring a huge endearing pic of our favorite Disney character…yes Bambi! Other celebrity followers include Lady Gaga and Madonna, who have been happily donned in some of De Castelbajac’s off-the-wall creations in the past. Parrots, Pirates and Paradise, for SS/10 showcases a fantastically inventive and glamorous collection inspired by the tropics, sea-life and sailors. Taking a new edge on summer wears De Castelbajac’s garments, prints and embellishments appear faultless in fresh white, navy and red, perfect for a sophisticated ship to shore statement.

Just as flamboyant as his personality, De Castelbajac’s second part of his collection, features some intense brights complemented by kitsch Hawaiian style prints that would have Carmen Miranda knocking on the fashion followers door. Fancy pieces such as multi-coloured raffia grass skirts, turbans, a postcard pocket raincoat as well as artificial parrots added theatricality to the runway, and gave a humorous nod to 21st century dare to wear decadence.

 

From dabbling in Disney to sequins and Elvis’s portrait also featured in Parrots, Pirates and Paradise, De Castelbajac will forever remain an inspiring designer channeling fun, frolics and originality into his work for years to come.

 

Check out his ace website. Shop the watches featured above here

Words by Kate Alexandra Mcleish. Kate's blog

Images from De Castelbajac and Look

Recent comments...

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment.

All comments submitted on this page do not express the views of MFN, we will endeavor to remove any offensive, rude, defamatory comments.