Jeanne Damas stars in the series “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld”, produced by the Disney + platform. For the Journal des Femmes, the creator of the Rouje house recounts her experience on the set.
Jeanne Damas plays the eccentric Paloma Picasso in the new series Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, which will be broadcast on Disney + from June 7, 2024. Personal style, relationship with her character and new collection, the creator of the Parisian label Rouje confides.
Journal des Femmes: Designer, entrepreneur, actress… How do you define yourself?
Jeanne Damas: In everyday life, I am creative, it is my main job. But our generation does not refrain from exploring different areas. Even though I have my brand and it takes up a lot of my time, acting in this series inspired me a lot and took me out of my comfort zone. There’s no reason to stop yourself from doing several things at once. If we can, it’s a chance.
How would you describe your clothing style?
My clothing style is the style of Rouje, my brand. I often say that it is a Parisian brand with a Mediterranean touch. There are lots of prints, flowers, polka dots… Rouje, it’s quite happy!
What do you think is the essential item of clothing you should own?
I have a hard time choosing just one piece, there are so many. I would say a wrap dress. It’s easy to put on and take off!
Why did you want to play a role in the series? Becoming Karl Lagerfeld ?
It was Disney who offered it to me directly! I was a little impressed at first, but I couldn’t refuse. It was a very enriching experience. Playing someone who exists and, moreover, an icon, is very intimidating. But I was immediately reassured by the project teams. From the costume designer to the directors to the actors, Disney has managed to create a very good artistic dynamic.
Who is Paloma Picasso?
She is the daughter of the painter Pablo Picasso. She is an artist who had the privilege of being close to the clan of Yves Saint Laurent and that of Karl Lagerfeld, even though the two couturiers were enemies.
How did you work with the costume designer to create Paloma Picasso’s looks?
When I started researching costumes with Pascaline Chavanne, the costume designer, we looked in Chloé’s archives. We were also able to rummage through vintage pieces that she had rented for the occasion. I quickly noticed that Paloma’s style was quite close to what I like and what I create at Rouje. It has this 40s side, a little retro. She put flowers in her hair, loved prints and played a lot with the codes of feminine and masculine. We also have the same signature: the red mouth.
What was your favorite Paloma Picasso outfit to wear?
The most emblematic is the wedding dress designed by Lagerfeld. During my research, I only saw black and white photos of this creation. So I was very surprised when I discovered that it was actually bright red! Wearing this satin dress, with its heart-shaped sleeves and majestic collar, was overwhelming.
Were you able to keep any of your outfits after filming was over?
Unfortunately, this is impossible. Everything is carefully guarded and classified. I didn’t keep anything, but I brought some accessories from my personal wardrobe to the shoot.
You also imagined a collection for Rouje called “Paloma”. A way to pay homage to this role?
It is a tribute to Paloma Picasso. When I was filming the series a year ago, I used the downtime to work on the summer 2024 collection. To create, we always start with inspiration. This time, it was Paloma Picasso who inspired me. Twelve months later, the collection that bears his name and the series are released at the same time, so the synchronicity is perfect.
And you, are you more team Saint Laurent or team Lagerfeld?
In terms of style, I’m more Saint Laurent. I collect some Yves Saint Laurent pieces from the 70s. I have several corsets, including a red one that I wore with big vintage earrings on the day of the casting. Guess it brought me luck!