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Katy Perry wears Barack Obama at MTV awards

6th November 2008 Print
Katy Perry wears Barack Obama at MTV awards French fashion designer and artist, Jean Charles de Castelbajac’s, “I Have A Dream” dress which features Barack Obama’s face in sequins, will appear at the MTV European Music Awards in Liverpool on November 6th. The event is being presented by singer Katy Perry of “I Kissed a Girl” fame and Castelbajac will be attending, having brought the dress over specially from his Paris offices.

Castelbajac comments, “I made this dress because for me Barack Obama is the most charismatic leader in politics today. He is incarnate of hope, change and youth. The ovation the dress received amazed me, as did the number of insulting letters I have received from the United States. But I’m pleased to see that fashion has become such a powerful medium”.

Jean Charles de Castelbajac has been a key figure in the fashion industry for over 30 years. His eclectic clothing and accessories are famed for their unusual designs and conceptual detailing. Best known for his teddy bear coat and Iceberg cartoon sweaters, Castelbajac also designed the first quilted coat in 1972.

His first collection was showcased in 1973 and his visionary styling inspired the fashions of military, shooting and utilitywear. He founded controversial denim brand Jesus Jeans in 1975 the same year that he launched the Maxmara diffusion line, Sportsmax. In keeping with his unconventional style he enlisted graffiti artist Keith Haring to design the fashion show invites and Malcolm McLaren to choose the music. He has also designed for Maxmara and Ellesse.

In 1997 Castelbajac was selected as the official designer for the Paris National Youth Day Celebrations. His creations included the Pope’s vestments, apparel for the 5000 priests and 500 bishops as well as souvenir t shirts and baseball caps. The design for the Papal robe was inspired by the rainbow from the story of Noah’s ark.

Celebrity fans include Madonna, Andy Warhol, John Lennon, Mick Jagger and more recently Rufus Wainwright and Tara Palmer Tomkinson. Other projects include Farrah Fawcett’s costumes in Charlie’s Angels and Eddie Murphy’s in Coming to America.

From April to July 2007 Paris’ Musee Galliera held “Gallierock” an exhibition showcasing Jean Charles’ work over the past 30 years sponsored by the City of Paris. He has also exhibited at the world famous Victoria and Albert Museum. Castelbajac is also recognized as an abstract painter, has written books and is working on songs and other projects.

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Katy Perry wears Barack Obama at MTV awards