This season is looking bright for Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, and not just because his collection has been getting rave reviews. The line—famous for its quirky, off-kilter take on sportswear—was just bought by South Korean company EXR, with big plans of opening 30 new stores in 2012, as well as a third line called Ligne that the designer describes as “French preppy”.
Therefore shifting his namesake line towards a more couture style, JC/DC called this S/S 2010 collection “Rustica Galactica”, symbolizing a meeting of the past and future. The pieces still retained the designer’s signature quirks—bright, primary colors, loud cartoon-y prints, and creative fabric choices—except this time, conveyed in a more st
reamlined manner.The result? Conservative monochrome dresses with glossy Lisa Frank-style appliques, jackets with exaggerated panel pockets, and grid-print exclamation skirt suits. The collection—focusing mostly on a palette of blacks, reds, and whites—also featured the designer’s usual graphic Keith Haring-esque prints, Mickey Mouse pieces, and stand-out button details; and were completed with statement accessories, consisting of thick headbands, plastic watches, and that gigantic pearl collar paired with the show’s final piece.
