Casablanca’s Fall/Winter 2024 campaign, titled “Venus as a Boy,” embodies the creative vision of its director, Charaf Tajer, by drawing a clear line from the timeless influence of ancient Greek culture to our contemporary world. Directed by Frédéric de Pontcharra, the campaign video invites viewers on a breathtaking journey through time and space, reminiscent of both Homer’s epic poetry and Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi cinematic masterpieces.
Ancient Greek Fashion
The video’s captivating narrative is deeply inspired by Eleusis, the legendary pilgrimage site of ancient Greece, renowned for its spiritual significance and influence on philosophers and playwrights. Models in the campaign are styled to echo the divine forms of Greek gods and Olympian heroes, as they navigate iconic settings such as Athenian streets, temple staircases, and scenes of ethereal clouds and cosmic landscapes. This visual odyssey mirrors the transformative experiences that are central to the Eleusinian Mysteries, creating a powerful connection between the past and the present.
Fashion Campaign
Musically, the campaign evokes the spirit of iconic ’90s music videos, particularly paying tribute to Björk’s 1993 single, “Venus as a Boy,” after which the collection is named. Tajer, reflecting on his inspiration, states, “Björk’s lyrics have always spoken to me. Her message resonates with my constant pursuit of beauty and curiosity.” This sentiment is echoed in the collection’s design, which offers a rich tapestry of colors and textures, combining structured silhouettes with ethereal, dreamlike elements.
Casablanca FW24
The FW24 collection presents a seamless blend of classical elegance and modern sophistication. Highlights include gradient coats in celestial tones, marble-patterned mock neck tops, and varsity jackets adorned with flying angels. The collection’s vibrant palette of blues, greens, and metallics creates an aura of otherworldly glamour, while structured tracksuits and sheer tennis apparel pay homage to Casablanca’s roots in luxury sportswear.
In “Venus as a Boy,” Casablanca offers a collection that not only celebrates the enduring allure of ancient Greece but also reinterprets it through the lens of modern fashion, creating a dialogue between the past and the future that is as visually stunning as it is thought-provoking.