In 1974, Jean Charles de Castelbajac met Raymond Loewy, the prolific industrial designer whose creations include logos for Shell and Lucky Strike, as well as the look of Air Force One — each distinctive in their own right.
Forty years on, Loewy, as well as Farrah Fawcett, informed spring — an unusual amalgam of inspiration that somehow got lost in translation (nothing about the looks read “Charlie’s Angels”). Instead, de Castelbajac provided upbeat, sporty clothes that veered more Sixties retro-futuristic pop than the decade that followed, especially the graphic, wavy colorblocking on the A-line trench and shift dress.
De Castelbajac’s signature whimsy was noticeably toned down for a more commercial appeal. But he managed to slip some into the detail, such as the playful trompe l’oeil stitching on several looks, including a white coat, floaty dress and wrap skirt.