Top image: Casablanca SS19

When Charaf Tajer and his friends couldn’t find the perfect club in Paris, they simply created their own: for its seven-year tenure, Le Pompon was the place to go in the French capital. But for Tajer, it was the little details that really made it special; the dimmed lighting, the  whiskey tumblers, the drinks list and – of course – the DJs, including a certain Mr Abloh. It’s this ability to materialise a holistic vision that led Tajer to move into fashion, first co-founding buzzy Parisian brand Pigalle and now, his own menswear label, Casablanca.

Like Le Pompon, Casablanca is a tangible translation of the French Moroccan designer’s personal style and story. Named after the city where Tajer’s parents met (while working at an atelier together), and where he spent the majority of his childhood vacations, Tajer blends that nostalgia with his novel concept, Après-sport: the idea of an ultimate hotel resort wardrobe, moving between bedside/poolside/courtside with comfort, ease and style.

So we get Moroccan iconography splashed across louche silk shirts, hotel robes reimagined as two-piece tracksuits made from luxe proprietary cotton and relaxed tailoring cut in sporty proportions. It’s Scarface in Miami, it’s Boogie Nights by the pool. But most of all, the collection epitomises those rich Morocco hues – the Yves Saint Laurent cobalt blue sky, the rustic tans of the spice market and tropical flora greens – and multi-cultural population.

Here, Tajer filters that all down into a playlist inspired by his Morocco. Starting with MJ, the designer takes us on a sonic trip across winding coastal drives, bustling nightspots and kaleidoscope sunsets. You’ve got the soundtrack, now book the flights.

Liberian Girl by Michael Jackson
“The perfect song to start the day. Imagine ocean views and a glowing sunrise bringing in the morning light.”

Don’t Forget It by Dabeull & Jordan Lee
“For me, this is the way to unwind, a perfect soundtrack to relax and de-stress.”

Onizuka by PNL
“This is the vibe. It personifies the energy of the place I’m from: a contrast of raw, gritty environments painted masterfully with soft, mellowing tones.”

Lait de Coco by Maya
“The perfect warm-up for a beautiful night under the Marrakech sunset.”

Oe Oe by Jorge Ben
“Play this on a road trip, winding coastal roads with a cool summer breeze.”

La Ritournelle by Sebastien Tellier
“Great song to get the mind working, lose yourself in a daydream as the world continues to rush by.”

Saint by Blood Orange
“I listened to this song on repeat when developing the FW19 collection, it continually inspires me and pushes me into my creative zone.”

Batwanes Beek by Warda
“This song truly represents the Casablanca vibe: elegance, luxury, beauty and power.”

I’m Gonna Get You by Nina Kravitz
“The night shift. Bustling nightlife in the city, blurred lights and endless energy a continuous movement.”

Clap Your Hands by Zakes Bantwin
“The grand finale, music that makes you move, a nostalgic reminder to the great moments of life’s journey.”

Gallery: Casablanca FW19

More info on Casablanca here.