Image Credit: Casablanca
The people of Monaco simply do it better. From their grand casinos to the world-acclaimed Grand Prix tournament, their penchant for extravagance has often been used as a platform in the fashion world. For FW21, Casablanca, led by creative director Charaf Tajer, took this to new heights, producing a collection that oozed class and charm.
Titled ‘Grand Prix’, the collection uses the inspiration of Monaco to great effect. The visual presentation takes place in a decadent hotel, where models glided past one another while drinking copious amounts of champagne. The models could be seen gambling, feeding their perfectly groomed canines and partying to a sublimely stylish disco track by the legendary Giorgio Moroder. The film gave ample attention to Casablanca’s womenswear collection. The brand has stepped up its presence for female fans following its successful capsule with NET-A-PORTER back in August 2019.
Many of the clothes were covered in casino-inspired geometric prints while others paid tribute to the Grand Prix. Outerwear pieces, tailoring and female formalwear were laden with bold designs of dice, roulette wheels and card-suit motifs. White track tops featuring racing stripes and the brand’s title were a more subtle nod to the celebration of Formula One.
Tajer has often used Casablanca’s designs to bring a gentler touch to menswear. This collection saw a further take on that, as male models wore loose-fitting jumpers with flared silk trousers in tandem with printed foulards. Speaking to Vogue, Tajer discussed this idea of taking the more masculine associations out of menswear, and turning the “macho man into a situation of more softness.”
In a complete dichotomy, the womenswear shown was far more structured and sharp, defying patriarchal stereotypes of femininity. Casablanca proudly displayed their female models in tailored blazers alongside perfectly pressed ankle-length collared dresses. The brand’s ability to present women in these sorts of clothing without removing that air of luxury or festivity is to be praised.
Casablanca’s monogram was far more apparent in this collection than in others. Consisting of interlocking C’s with a Morrocan aesthetic, the monogram could be seen on jumpsuits and knitwear, as well as on their new section of luggage and bags. Models could be seen sporting leather travel bags emblazoned with the design, while others carried around handbags featuring a bamboo handle.
Another collaboration with New Balance seems on the cards for Casablanca, having worked together twice in 2020. In an interview with Hypebeast, Tajer said the shoes were “a new shape, inspired by cars and Formula 1”. These trainers feature a larger sole, an oversized version of the New Balance “N” logo and are seen in three distinct colourways including white, orange and green, yellow with black and orange and a crisp all-white version. Although no formal date has been announced, it is rumoured the collaboration will be dropping next month.
Casablanca’s FW21 collection was designed for the bold and the ostentatious. It was designed for those who cannot wait to escape from couch-life and emerge onto a casino floor or on the side of a Formula One track. The bright and saturated designs created an air of celebration. It harkens us back to the loud era of 1960s fashion while preparing us for what could very much be the new ‘Roaring Twenties’. In short, Casablanca FW21 makes you want to party.
Watch the full show below.
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