The French designer invited us to his atelier in Paris 17eme to present the vestments he designed for the re-opening of Notre Dame cathedral in December. A total of 700 ornaments and robes for all who officiate in the Mass, from archbishop, to bishop, priests, acolytes, etc, will be created using the facilities of haute couture association 19M.
The designer — who has created several haute couture pieces in his career — has a long history of designing robes for the Church, including garments for Pope John Paul I. His religious and fashion designs are noted for combining contemporary art (de Castelbajac is a fan of American artist Keith Haring) with medieval and religious connotations. The robes for Notre Dame feature gold crosses with multi-colored starbursts on an ecru background and will be used in services at the cathedral beyond the re-opening.
