March 6, 2025 |
For its second Tokyo-inspired collection, Casablanca delivered an AW25 offering that embraced the Japanese capital’s contrasts – modernity and tradition, counterculture and establishment. Kaizen (Japan’s philosophy of continuous refinement) set the pace, merging rebellious energy with urban finesse where biker gangs met cherry blossoms and corporate uniforms embraced rave-ready upgrades.
The show opened with embroidered Bōsōzoku biker jackets – sleek, debossed and brushed with flame-like prints – before shifting into softer gear like Harajuku Kawaii pastels, bow-flecked tailoring and candy-coloured florals. Silky workwear melted into structured, boxy suiting, while calligraphy prints, laced with tech-infused details, pulsed with the nostalgic neon of the city. This was Casablanca’s Tokyo – one moment chrome-polished and streamlined, the next, blurring into a dreamscape of pink and electric blue.
Then came a series of playful detours. Models, shaded and toting plush mascots (aka Casablanca’s signature tennis ball reimagined as a lucky orange) carried handbags that doubled as charms. Meanwhile sakura blossoms crept across wool-satin dresses, biker leathers and alpaca knits. Even skiwear absorbed the city’s energy, with icy monograms and a Montagne sneaker’s sole sculpted in the silhouette of Mount Fuji.
Casablanca knows it is a visitor there and relishes the thrill. As for the accessories? XXL duffels to XXS micro-bags, designed for all kinds of adventures, day to night.
Fast but considered, playful yet entirely precise, Charaf Tajer’s AW25 collection paid homage to Japan’s contrasts – and it took us along for the ride.
Photography Courtesy of Casablanca
