Lee jeans team up with de Castelbajac

French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is teaming up with London-based Lee Cooper jeans to launch collection called JCDC Denim Edited by Lee Cooper. "Lee Cooper exemplifies British denim by excellence and its pop-rock attitude from the Sixties," de Castelbajac said. "Its message is very close to my own collections. It's an ideal partnership."

JCDC Denim Edited by Lee Cooper is themed around Sixties British rock icons. Targeting a younger clientele, de Castelbajac applied his colorful aesthetic to slim-fitting jeans and played with whimsical prints on denim styles for the summer 2008 debut collection. The denim line for women and men will be distributed in 250 Lee Cooper stores in 70 countries, as well as in Jean-Charles de Castelbajac flagships.

In addition, the Paris-based designer next summer will launch his first high-end denim line, JC de Castelbajac, backed by Lee Cooper. "It's the first time I have ever had a diffusion line," Castelbajac said, noting that the line features couture finishes and intricate detailing. "I am very excited about the opportunity to create a more affordable product range that will be accessible to a younger customer base."