Modernity and classicism, urbanity and nature, counter-cultural versus establishment.

The inherent, exuberant dualities and contradictions of Japan are the inspirations for the Automne-Hiver 2025 Casablanca Women’s and Men’s collection by Charaf Tajer.

That is based in lived experience, across two decades of visiting the country again and again, carefully observing its cultures, rituals and traditions, old and new. This collection - the second Casablanca collection directly inspired by this locale - explores cultural fusions and cultural exchanges, both an examination of Japan itself, and Japan’s own outward gaze.

 Casablanca’s view of Japan is resolutely contemporary, an homage to the ceaseless creativity of youth countercultures that shape Japan’s modern landscape. The customised super bikes and embroidery of Bōsōzoku contrast with Hawajuku Kawaii, in turn juxtaposed with the uniforms of Japanese corporate culture, and the flamboyance and celebration of rave attire.

Alongside, there are riffs and references on the hyper-modern cityscapes of Japanese Metropolis, as well as echoes of the lush panoramas of its countryside and mountains. A country of contrast inspires a collection of opposites, in harmony. The notion of ‘Kaizen’ - a philosophy of constant improvement, of betterment - offers both a title and an approach, a process of refinement. Subcultural and industrial workwear uniforms shape styles, each twisted into the other, embellished and elevated to a new fashion context. The collection is rooted in tailoring, for women and men, its layers and relaxed silhouettes a respectful nod to traditional Japanese costume.