Notre-Dame de Paris is about to be reborn, and who better to dress this resurrection than Jean-Charles de Castelbajac? The famous French designer, a fan of primary colors, has been appointed to design the liturgical vestments and ornaments that will dress bishops, priests, deacons and canons for the cathedral's grand reopening celebrations. At the age of 74, Castelbajac returns to the forefront of the sacred scene, having already made his mark with the rainbow vestments worn by Pope John Paul II in 1997.
The Diocese of Paris revealed this new collaboration on Wednesday, underlining the importance of marrying tradition and contemporary creation. Indeed, after thedevastating fire of April 15, 2019, the restoration of Notre-Dame is entering its final phase, with reopening scheduled for December 8, 2024. A total of 250 companies and a myriad of craftsmen are involved in this titanic project.
For this special occasion, Castelbajac has designed colorful capes, chasubles, stoles and dalmatics for the officiants. The checkroom will also be used for festive celebrations such as Christmas, Easter and All Saints' Day. On a 100% eco-friendly off-white canvas, he imagined a colorful radiance, reminiscent of Notre-Dame's stained-glass windows. Inspired by Marc Couturier's golden cross, miraculously spared by the flames, he wanted to create a "river of faith and hope", like a banner vibrant with meaning.
A powerful symbol of the rebirth of Notre-Dame de Paris, driven by the boldness and creativity of a multi-disciplinary artist.
