Whether he’s inspired by The Muppets or LEGO, there’s nothing quite as entertaining as a Jean-Charles de Castelbajac show. This season, the designer took his inspiration from the Middle Ages and Lady Godiva, whom he called “strong and sexy.” The theme translated into warrior-like head coverings (somewhat reminiscent of those shown in the Spring/Summer 2009 Narciso Rodriguez show), reindeer ears, fitted silhouettes, separates, and dresses fashioned out of tapestries (occasionally topped off with a Bambi head), comical silver lame ballooning armor, stray buckles topping off coats, monk-like pointed hoods, and touches of red that brought bloody images to mind.
Thrown in between were wearable little black dresses, embroidered dresses, Bambi tees, cardigans, dresses, and a memorable black turtleneck with Bambi heads printed on each of the shoulders. Color-blocked looks reminiscent of the designer’s LEGO-inspired looks took to the runway as well, and worked best when the colorful details were kept to a minimum, peeking out from the inside of a collar, for example.
Overall, while all of the JC/DC tongue in cheek, quirky trademarks were there, there was more of sophistication than there has been in seasons past, particularity in the sculpted outerwear. This just goes to show that even a brand with as much history and distinctiveness as JC/DC can still evolve for the better.
Images courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.
