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Not often does an emerging Paris-based label draw a big crowd for its debut runway show. But when it does — recently, Swedish men’s brand Namachecko and LVMH Prize winner Marine Serre on the women’s side come to mind — the effects are felt.
Sportswear-inspired menswear brand Casablanca had that exact effect. Founder Charaf Tajer — also the co-founder of Pigalle and collaborator of Virgil Abloh — is one to watch. Since founding Casablanca at the end of last year, Tajer has got the fashion flock, and celebrity attendees including Skepta, excited with his highly wearable clothing that takes inspiration from his Moroccan roots.
The designer dedicated his first runway collection to the meeting place of his parents, who fell in love at an atelier in the fashion district of Casablanca. More than the sentimental backstory, the collection, and brand at large, paid homage to the Moroccan city as a whole.
The city’s illustrious colors, its ancient architecture — Tajer studied architecture in university — and its rich cultural heritage were all explored in an impressive sophomore collection.
The many references were manifested throughout the line’s palette of rich silks and warm cashmeres. There was louche suiting in popping colors and palm tree prints, relaxed tailoring in cobalt blue, camel and emerald, and...a dog? All paid homage to Tajer’s affinity for old-world elegance.
American rapper Gunna, decked out in a terracotta-hued overcoat, cork-patterned tracksuit and massive silver chain made a guest appearance on the runway. There was also a chihuahua. Prints of bright orange tangerines and holiday sites transported showgoers from cold Paris to warm, long summer days in exotic countries.
“I want to be known as the new go-to Parisian House,” Tajer said. There is little doubt he will be.
