PARIS, Jan 25, 2003/ FW/ --- Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is never short on innovative ideas: he's staged his shows using hockey players and boxing teams.

He's shown on an ice rink and in a gym. But this time around, he conceived a collection of real clothes inspired for work, and invited most of his friends.

French singer Laurent Voulzy (left) looks at French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac presenting his 2003/04 Autumn/Winter fashion collection in Paris, January 25, 2003.
(Photo by Reuters/Jacky Naegelen)

In a workshop in Les Halles, set up with plastic sheeting against one wall, a line of men came out and lined up at what, for all practical purposes, seemed to be a long urinal.

The rough looking lot exchanged embarrassed side ways glances, but focused on their business, until the plastic sheeting was ripped down to reveal none other than the boss: Jean-Charles de Castelbajac in the very center.

When the group turned to face the camera, the assortment of real men wore overalls affixed with faux-patches and ragged edges, working pants in muddy brown, and rounded collared sweaters that gave a new meaning to the word blue.

Then the real pun began, as de Castelbajac introduced the roughians: artists, guitarists, editors, journalists, designers, photographers and DJs, all friends and real working men.

Richard Buckley was there, in the audience of course, the only person wearing Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche.

Representatives of the French Federation of Couture came and applauded.

It was a fun collection, made all the more interesting by the designer himself, who is one of the most down to earth and approachable of the big names on the Paris scene.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has learned a valuable lesson, one that the most masterful American politician of all times taught.

And if I might just quote that earthy advice of former American President Lyndon B. Johnson:

"It's better to have them inside the tent peeing out, than outside peeing in."