REVVING ENGINES THROUGH THE CITY OF ANGELS WITH SS25 CASABLANCA
words by SONNY NGO
A large part of what makes Los Angeles so attractive is, besides its gorgeous beaches and Hollywood, the various communities that form its melting pot culture. Though on the surface, movie-stars and the cosmopolitan might take the most shine, the shifting underground gears that move the City of Angels is what truly inspired creative director Charaf Tajer to design the Casablanca Spring/Summer’25 collection. Based on the furious car engines set off by Mexican-American Lowriders culture, the runway was a colourful display of underground LA.
With four vibrant décor cars parked across the runway, each model walked over pulsating beats mimicking the revving engines one might come across walking the streets of LA. In bright colours, looks were filled with brilliant shades, airbrushed gradients, and a mixture of different textures. Crochet and denim, silky jerseys and embroidery; Mexican heritage could be felt through and through.
The collection namely combines two counterparts of the culture: the skate, or locale, scene and the surf community. But in both parts, freedom is essential. Freedom of body, soul, and mind is translated into the different garments. And with the artworks referencing skate decks and surfboards, both facets of LA were unified in the collection.
Still, LA remains one of the most diverse cities in the United States, and that too is reflected in the clothing. Ginormous models like Lucky Blue Smith and Mathieu Simoneau were starkly contrasted, with the latter wearing a vivid knit two-piece and the former being dripped out in office attire denim. Of course, the warm climate of the sea could not go unnoticed as well and supermodel Bella Hadid was styled for the occassion - wearing bright denim jeans with a pattern rich bra and jacket.
Casablanca put on a stellar show with a collection that celebrated the various communities that keep LA culture alive. Certainly furious, though not fast, the runway left a bright mark during Paris Fashion Week.
