Jean-Charles de Castelbajac
| Jean-Charles de Castelbajac | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
28 November 1949 Casablanca, Morocco |
| Nationality | Moroccan/French |
| Occupation | Fashion designer |
| Website |
www |
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, also known as JC/DC,[1] born 28 November 1949 in Casablanca, Morocco, is a fashion designer. As the Marquis de Castelbajac, he is a French nobleman.[2] He has enjoyed international success with some of his creations, including a coat of teddy bears worn by pop star Madonna[3] and by supermodel Helena Christensen in the film Prêt-à-Porter. Recently JC de Castelbajac has befriended artists such as M.I.A, Cassette Playa, Curry & Coco, and The Coconut Twins. His fashion archive was showcased in preparation for his retrospective "Gallie Rock" in Paris by photographers Tim and Barry, modelled by Cassette Playa, M.I.A., Jammer, Matthew Stone, Slew Dem Crew, and more.[4]
As well as his imaginative clothing collections,[1][2] the designer creates home furnishings [3] and has designed a watch inspired by the childhood favourite, Lego.
In 1979, de Castelbajac married fashion journalist and model Katherine Lee Chambers. They had two sons before divorcing, among them Louis-Marie de Castelbajac.
In 2005, Raika was the de Castelbajac ready-to-wear license holder in Japan with retail value of €20 million.[5] He also attended King of kitsch at Paris Fashion Week in 2010.
References
- 1 2 Diane Pernet (February 2007). "IQONS Interview with JC de Castelbajac.". IQONS.com.
The most amazing adventure of JC/DC’s life so far was when he was asked to dress 5,000 priests, 500 bishops and the Pope for their visit in Paris. The theme of the collection was the rainbow based on the story of Noah and the arc. God spoke to Noah and told him that “if you see the rainbow in the sky there will be peace between me and the human race”. The idea went over well but JC/DC thought it best to inform the Bishop that the rainbow was also the symbol of the gay community. The Bishop’s reaction was not one of shock rather he said that nobody owned the copyright on the rainbow and that was that. Once the work was completed the Pope spoke to JC/DC: “Young man, you have used colour as a cement of faith.”
- 1 2 Hilary Alexander (10 May 2005). "In the front row: behind the scenes at Paris Fashion Week.". The Daily Telegraph.
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, French fashion's only marquis, is looking forward to the major retrospective of his 45-year career at the Victoria and Albert Museum in January. De Castelbajac pioneered Snoopy and Mickey Mouse fashion, made coats out of teddy bears, took inspiration from artists such as Keith Haring, and designed Eddie Murphy's costumes for his starring role in Coming to America in 1988.
- 1 2 Victoria and Albert Museum (2006). "POPAGANDA: The Fashion & Style of JC de Castelbajac.".
An inspired collaborator, his design work includes ready-to-wear as well as cars, sportswear and interiors. A fashion star of the 1970s and 1980s, his idiosyncratic designs mix bright colours, popular culture and humour. The mid-1970s saw him dress Farrah Fawcett for the hit TV series Charlie's Angels and collaborating with Mick Jagger and Elton John. His rainbow flag vestments for the Pope earned him further fame.
- ↑
- ↑ Chevalier, Michel (2012). Luxury Brand Management. Singapore: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-118-17176-9.