Paris-based fashion house Casablanca presented its Japanese-influenced KAIZEN collection at Paris Fashion Week.
The eclectic collection took inspiration from the Japanese business concept of Kaizen, or “continuous improvement”. The principle embraces any form of improvement, no matter how big or small. This season, Casablanca searched for balance between “modernity, classicism, urbanity, and nature”, sifting through various Japanese styles to find it.
French-Moroccan designer Charaf Tajer honored Japanese culture through tasteful silhouettes and set-design, reminiscent of the brand’s Japanese inspired SS22 collection. For Tajer, his French and Moroccan backgrounds are major influences, but it doesn’t stop there. The designer has suggested that each Casablanca collection has a different destination. By researching and conscientiously pulling inspiration from different cultures, the brand is building an eclectic identity that appeals to a wide range of consumers.
This season, Tajer referenced various segments of Japanese style, pulling inspiration from corporate culture, 1980s Bōsōzoku biker gangs, kawaii, and ski and rave wear. Casablanca unified these styles in a way that communicated the brand’s search for balance in a world of contradictions.
Bordeaux suits with Casablanca’s familiar floral motifs and Matrix-like ensembles opened the runway, followed by smartly tailored double-slit skirts. These looks introduced the first category of inspiration: Japanese corporate culture.
Ski-wear came next, suggesting a vacation from the corporate world might be the way to achieve balance.
These styles were followed by biker-influenced, padded leather looks that took the collection down a new pathway of inspiration. Casablanca played with this contrast between professional, clean tailoring and edgy, utilitarian styles.
Kawaii and rave aesthetics also found their way into the collection through vibrant colors, bag charms, graphic tees, and knee-socks.
Some ensembles blended multiple subcultures into a single look, hinting at balance achieved through juxtaposition.
The collection came together as a playful balance of contrasting subcultures, color-ways, and inspirations- showcasing the Kaizen, the continuous improvement, of the brand since its inception.
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