Jean-Charles de Castelbajac on Art, Inspiration, and Palace Collaboration

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, a multidisciplinary artist known for his anti-fashion approach, discusses his creative philosophy and collaboration with Palace Skateboards in an interview with Wallpaper*. He describes his early life, drawing to combat loneliness at boarding school, and his use of humble materials like mops and shower curtains to create garments as a form of rebellion against traditional elegance. He cites inspiration from music, 19th-century English literature, and love, as well as his work for the church, including the scenography and liturgical vestments for the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris. Regarding Palace, he praises the team's philosophy and collaborations, comparing them to a band. He has recently completed a book published by Thames & Hudson covering his style and experiences. He also mentions his current reading (A Tale of Two Cities) and music listening (Sleaford Mods, Ben Kidson, Baxter Dury, Erik Satie). The interview is part of a series featuring Stuart Hammond, lead creative of Palace Skateboards, which was founded by Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis in 2009.