At the Spring/Summer 2009 shop window displays by the “Heroes of Independence” in London’s Mayfair, the well-established Jean-Charles De Castelbajac caught my eyes.

Born in 1949 and since the age of 20, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has designed original clothing that encourages an aesthetic way of life. Colourful and fun; his designs reflect a passion for art and nature. Jean-Charles de Castelbajac defines fashion standards with sportswear that does not forget a spirit of elegance: hi-jacking materials such as blankets, floor cloths, and ace bandages combined with basic colours or pursuing co-operative endeavours with artists to design his famous Painting-Dresses.

His new flagship store on Conduit Street, among other treasure, displayed a cloud-printed dress with small beads all-over the dress, creating clouds with beaded sky blue background. This French designer always cracked me up, leaving me with hope for the Freedom of Speech.

Besides JC/DC, Vivienne Westwood, Issey Miyake, Yohi Yamamoto and the old tailors at Saville row have maintained the craftmanship of making suits in the most traditional style. Very beautiful and I really hope they will survive! If you can’t afford to buy these big ‘indy heroes’ then search for less famous ones and keep being unique, be yourself as it is vitally important. “Remember by making up your mind of what you like is the best because then you will be remembered”.

Having a double espresso after walking around chain smoking for hours, this girl came by, and I thought her look and hair was very cool. I love asymmetry!

Sadly, the memory of a happy, contempt and beyond unique ‘Mayfair’ was fading for me as I walked down New Bond Street seeing signs in empty shop windows saying; “This chain store will open up soon”. Please keep supporting independent soulful work to avoid us all ending up with only mass-produced artificial crap.

Photo Gallery of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac 2009 collection

Featured Contributor: Simon Ekrelius

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