PARIS, Oct 10, 2006/ FW/ --- The invitation said ‘RockAmerica’ with the promise of a concert. It was also in red, white & blue, and with the midterm elections coming this November in the U.S., it was easy to imagine that it was either a Democrat or Republican fundraiser.

But this was the Paris women’s ready-to-wear season, and the invitation clearly said Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Spring / Summer 2007. So, for American journalists, it was a highly anticipated show, hopeful of revelations of how a French designer views the American culture.

The show opened with a graffiti artist tagging the background with ‘JC de Castelbajac,’ a truth that deeply saddens because graffiti is an urban problem brought about by gangs. Still, it was a catwalk show, and should just be taken as part of the stage set.

What followed were shorts, minis and trousers in red, white, blue and black. Most of the models wear the ubiquitous baseball cap, so much of the American culture. Markings say ‘JC*DC’ probably a pun for ACDC, an American rock band.

There were caps with hearts all over, another American pop culture item for ‘I Heart (name whatever);’ some of them featured talking buttons. The talking buttons were also seen as embellishments for the jackets, shirts and dresses.

Castelbajac did not miss a beat – from the Playboy bunny ears to Micky Mouse ears. Sylvester, the cat was also seen, together with ‘Gone With The Wind’ written on a fan.

But, don’t forget the clothes! Everything was wearable, geared towards a very young audience. Leggings were must-have accessories to be worn with almost everything from shorts to mini dresses.

Cocktail dresses were done in red, white and blue, appropriate for Miss Universe ‘National Costume’ Competition or a political party fundraiser.

It was a fun collection, Castelbajac dressing the ladies from day to night, from Spring to Fall, as seen with the Halloween costumes.

The show ended with the models carrying flags, with ‘Old Glory’ as the most prominent. There was of course the promise concert, three songs by a live band. They were good, in fact, they were very good, but their music was not America’s rock & roll.

So, we come once again to the importance of music in a catwalk presentation, on how it sets the tone and adds to the drama. If Prince’s Purple Rain or Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Purple Haze’ was played, the room would have been rocking.

Even the ‘Beach Boys’ would have been appropriate, or a rock rendition of the U.S. national anthem either by Eric Johnson or again, Jimi Hendrix. Perhaps, something from Van Morrison would have been fitting. After all, he is buried here in Paris.

Other than the choice of music, it was an invigorating show that proposed some very wearable items.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac