By Sirena Kuo
Casablanca Paris, under the vision of Creative Director Charaf Tajer, dives deep into the timeless allure of ancient Greece for its Fall/Winter 2024 campaign. The collection pays homage to the enduring influence of Greek art, philosophy, and mythology, weaving these elements seamlessly with modern aesthetics.
The campaign video is a journey through time, blending Homeric odysseys with Kubrickian visions. It traverses epochs, capturing the essence of both the ancient and the contemporary. Models embody the grace of Grecian gods and heroes, navigating through Athenian streets, ascending temple steps, soaring through clouds, and journeying across galaxies. This visual odyssey is infused with the spirit of Eleusis, the famed pilgrimage site that inspired Tajer’s collection. Historical figures like Plato and Aristotle once ventured there, seeking enlightenment through mind-expanding rituals, a narrative that echoes in the campaign’s psychedelic visuals.
Director Frédéric de Pontcharra collaborates with Tajer to create a multimedia experience rich in musical references, including nods to iconic ‘90s videos and Björk’s “Venus As A Boy,” a clear inspiration for the collection. Tajer reflects on the connection: “Björk’s lyrics—‘He believes in beauty. He’s Venus as a boy’—resonate with my quest for beauty and curiosity. The reimagining of Venus as Aphrodite ties our themes of ancient and modern recontextualization together.”
The campaign is a testament to Casablanca’s ability to blend the past with the present, creating a narrative that is both timeless and current.
Credits:
Creative Director: Charaf Tajer
Director: Frédéric de Pontcharra
Photographers: Corentin Leroux, Fiona Torre
Styling: Helena Tejedor
Set Design: Felix Gesnouin
Models: Adam Castellano, Mamuor Majeng, Georgia Palmer, Mary Ukech, Alex Consani, Rolf Schrader, Tida Rosvall
Casting: Establishment New York
Video Production: Mynd C/o Wanda Productions
Director of Photography: Nathaniel Aron
Executive & Post Producer: China Presles
VFX Studio: Orage
Editors: Antoine Deslandes, Hervieu
Colorist: Nicolas Gautier
Photography Production: Producing Love
Retouching: Atelier 99
Hair: Karim Belghiran
Makeup: Stephanie Kunz
