Jean-Charles de Castelbajac shaped the aesthetic of Rossignol’s skiwear collection for over 20 years, creating iconic garments that blend creativity with technical performance.

When we were tasked with modernizing the JCC x Rossignol collection, the challenge was clear: preserve Jean-Charles’ creative essence while integrating the technical innovations demanded by the market.

The creative process begins with a deep dive into the recent history of the collection. We analyzed past sales, identifying which pieces performed well and which needed a refresh. But we didn’t stop there: innovation requires understanding the future.

We conducted extensive market research to understand future trends and what clients would look for in upcoming seasons. Armed with this knowledge, our journey into the world of materials, shapes, and colors was just beginning.

Selecting the right ingredients Guided by our market analysis, we began searching for well-suited materials that would bring our new collection to life. It wasn’t just about finding fabrics that were durable and functional, but choosing ones that could tell a story, combining aesthetics and practicality in perfect harmony – without skimping out on the details!

We meticulously scoured vintage shops and trade fairs like Premier Vision and Milano Unica for innovative textiles, even revisiting shapes from Jean-Charles’ previous collections and adapting them to a modern, sporty context.

Each discovery brought us closer to the vision we had in mind.

The collection meetings with Jean-Charles de Castelbajac were a turning point. This was our opportunity to define the design guidelines and review his sketches: vibrant explosions of color and shape that he had envisaged for the collection.

Our job was then to transform these ideas into functional skiwear while staying true to their artistic essence. We worked closely with him to refine and adapt his designs, turning each sketch into a garment that not only met technical requirements but also stood out for its originality.

With the designs approved and patterns finalized, we entered the crucial prototyping phase. We collaborated with suppliers to develop samples that lived up to Jean-Charles’ vision, carefully communicating all the information required to craft the garments to the highest standards. We made sure to pay particular attention to detail when it came to accessories and technical finishes: the key to high-quality skiwear.

As we awaited the arrival of the first prototypes, we finalized color variants, coded pattern designs, and prepared merchboards for presentation. With these elements in place, everything was ready for the next step: the fitting with the art director.

The fitting session with Jean-Charles in Paris was a moment of intense creative energy. Each piece was closely examined, and Jean-Charles made real-time adjustments, often working directly on the fabrics: cutting and redesigning to achieve exactly what he had in mind.

This refinement process was critical to ensuring every detail perfectly aligned with his vision. We then held a second fitting with the production team to implement the changes and finalize the samples. We were getting closer to the final collection: the time had come to introduce it to the world.

With the samples ready, we geared up for the seasonal meeting, where the collection would be presented to buyers. We had to showcase the garments in a way that immediately conveyed their innovation, creativity and functionality. Every detail of the presentation was carefully curated to ensure each look told the story of the iconic JCC x Rossignol collaboration.

But that was just the beginning. The next step was even more important (and arguably more fun): the photoshoot.

The photoshoot was the pinnacle of the entire process. We sought out the perfect location, photographer and models to embody the spirit of the collection. Every detail was carefully orchestrated to create looks that highlighted not only the technical prowess of the garments but also told a compelling visual story that would resonate with our audience.

The result was a fresh, contemporary photoshoot that stayed true to Jean-Charles’ creative spirit.

Everything was all set for the debut, and success came without delay.