Charaf Tajer was surely feeling the Olympic fever sweeping Paris in anticipation of the Summer Games, but her Fall 2024 Casablanca Paris women's collection wasn't just about luxury sports and spectator wear.
It was inspired by a ritual practice of another kind: the use of psychedelics by the ancient Greeks, specifically Plato, Aristotle, Herodotus, Sophocles and Euripides, the Hollywood celebrities of their time (and Greece was, after all, where they got their start). the Olympic Games). . Charaf set the stage at Cirque D'Hiver with a chorus of seated dancers led by choreographer Sadeck Berrabah in a symphony of arm movements.
“Psychedelics are a topic that will only evolve in the future and we must be part of this message. “It's also important to show that the past wasn't so dusty,” said Tajer, an enthusiast, who, when asked if he would have named some kind of mind-altering substance after Casablanca, demurred but said he is working on a Big project. collaboration.
Under new ownership and a new CEO, Tajer is setting Casablanca on a growth journey beyond the edgy country club resort wear that has defined (pigeonholed?) the brand.
This collection took some steps forward with a more toned-down color palette and broader, more classic offerings that could take Casablanca to the red carpet and other marquee events. There were elegant suits and tuxedos draped to the waist (tailoring is a growing category), soft mohair outerwear, lurex polos, tank tops and sheer skirts embroidered with crystals, and velvety moleskin “denim.” Women's evening wear, however, including short and column dresses, some with slits or underbust details, could have used more sparkle.
Of course, there were plenty of sporting elements to keep Casablanca in that game, including the latest varsity jackets, made in collaboration with artist Jeff Hamilton, featuring seasonal patches and embroidery of magic mushrooms, Olympic torches and more.
Hellenic symbols, laurels, vases, and Olympic rings appeared as graphics and embellishments on attractive hooded running shirts, tracksuits, knit sets (including thigh-high socks), and tennis dresses. There was also a new collaboration with Ancient Greek Sandals about gladiators. However, for all the talk, the psychedelic references were minimal. A little more would have gone a long way.
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