Born in Casablanca in 1949, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, known as the “boy with the blanket” has made a significant impact on the fashion scene since the 1970s. He is referred to by The Daily Telegraph as “French fashion’s only marquis”, reflecting his royal roots and passion for art. His designs always carry a distinct and recognizable language, showcasing his timeless talent and staying relevant through the decades.
His latest collaborations with the house of Benetton and Palace Skateboards demonstrate his unwavering ability to create innovative and eye-catching pieces. Throughout his career, Jean-Charles has left a lasting impact on the fashion world, earning him a place in the history books as a true visionary and trendsetter.
His unique approach to fashion, blending tradition with modernity, has inspired many and continues to do so. Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s work serves as a testament to the power of creativity and passion, reminding us all of the importance of following our dreams and staying true to our artistic vision. He stands as a symbol of the limitless potential of the human spirit and serves as an inspiration to all who dare to pursue their passions with dedication and courage.
Imagine spending time with and taking inspiration from The Sex Pistols, Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. In that mixture of social criticism, the clear colors of Pop Art, the artistic claim, the individualism and inquiring mind you somewhere find Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, who dressed stars like Farrah Fawcett for the TV show “Charlie’s Angels” and Eddie Murphy in his unforgettable role in the 80s movie “Coming to America”. He is said to have pioneered Snoopy and Mickey Mouse fashion and he invented the stuffed animal coat in the late 80s.
The pictures of Vanessa Paradis in her Snoopy coat in 1988 are just as iconic as the pictures of the Kermit coat Lady Gaga wore and which went viral in 2009, almost exactly 21 years later.
The cartoon knit sweaters he had designed for ICEBERG back in the days are still highly collectible Vintage items and many of his ideas got adapted by various names in the business over the years. Alexander McQueen, whose glove-bag designs for his collaboration with H&M in 2009 reminded me of Castelbajac in the early 80s is only one name of fashion professionals who seemed to take inspiration from “JC/DC”.
Yet, World Youth Day 1997 was one of his most moving commissions as he was dressing Pope John Paul II, along with a parade of 500 bishops and 5,000 priests, in vestments adorned with rainbow crosses.
As said before… One for the books!
