Prix Meurice for Contemporary Art 2010/2011

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Designer and patron of the prize

A student at the École des Beaux-Arts and the École Supérieure des Industries du Vêtement, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac was just 21 when he showed his first collection, in 1970. Two years later he opened his first shop, although his eponymous company wasn't officially established until six years later, in 1978.
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is the inventor of "wearable art" with dresses featuring works painted by his artist friends. He has designed credits for TV shows and created visual identities for many high-profile events.
Alongside his haute couture collections, he has launched ranges in home furnishings, accessories and perfume. As an internationally renowned artist, in 2006 the Victoria & Albert Museum in London staged a retrospective exhibition of his work.
In 2009, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac invented the Lowcost Luxury concept offering outstanding designs at affordable prices.