I've blogged quite a bit about the fashions by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac because he so often references pop culture and fine art in his unique designs. Woman/Ray, an obvious name play, is his latest collection. The Autumn Winter 2011 line is one of my favorites, with several of the pieces incorporating the photographic imagery and surrealism of legendary Dadaist Man Ray.
In addition to using some of Man Ray's most famous photographs as prints and hats, JCDC also includes animated imagery from Disney's 101 Dalmations, plaids, skulls and skeletons in his latest ready-to-wear collection.
In the past, I've found his whimsical fashions - like his Muppets collection and the South Park collection - fun to look at but not very wearable. This collection, however, includes some of the most beautiful and flattering coats, dresses and creations I've seen from the designer.
ManRay:
Man Ray's most well-known photographs, Le Violon d'Ingres (The Violin of Ingres), 1924 and Glass Tears, 1932, serve as a prints for a dresses and skirts:
Hands, lips, ears and eyes - other common Man Ray subjects- appear in the collection in unique applications:
101 Dalmations
Skulls and Skeletons:
Other pieces in the collection include various plaids, equestrian-inspired, handwritten and hand drawn prints and wonderful coats.
Plaids:
Equestrian inspired:
Handwriting:
And other noteworthy pieces:
That is most of the collection, to see every piece, go here.
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, also known as JC/DC, was born 28 November 1949 in Casablanca, Morocco. As the Marquis de Castelbajac, he is a French nobleman. He has enjoyed international success with some of his creations, including a coat of teddy bears worn by pop star Madonna and by supermodel Helena Christensen in the film Prêt-à-Porter. As well as his imaginative clothing collections, the designer creates home furnishings.