French designer Jeanne Damas initially declined the opportunity to play the role of Paloma Picasso in Disney+’s Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, focusing on her successful brand, Rouje. However, after a screen test, she embraced the role and immersed herself in the world of ’70s fashion, researching Picasso’s life and career. Damas found parallels between Paloma’s style and the aesthetic of Rouje, noting how Picasso used fashion and beauty to define herself, much like Damas does with her brand.
Paloma Picasso, the daughter of renowned artists Pablo Picasso and Françoise Gilot, was a trailblazer in the fashion industry, avoiding living in her parents’ shadow by creating her own unique path in design and fragrance. Damas admired Paloma’s ability to use a red lip as a way to both hide and reveal oneself, finding it contradictory yet powerful. She also noted Paloma’s ability to transcend fashion politics of the time, maintaining relationships with both Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent, showcasing her importance and influence in the industry.
Jeanne Damas, like Paloma Picasso, has made a name for herself in the fashion world with Rouje, known for its quintessential French-girl style. Drawing inspiration from Paloma’s flea market wardrobe and retro-leaning pieces, Damas has created a brand that reflects her own personal style and vision. Despite initially hesitating to take on the role of Paloma, Damas found a connection through their shared love of beauty and self-expression, ultimately embracing the opportunity to portray a figure as influential as Paloma in the fashion industry.
Through her research and preparation for the role, Damas delved into the books “The Beautiful Fall: Fashion, Genius and Glorious Excess in 1970s Paris” and “Kaiser Karl: The Life of Karl Lagerfeld,” gaining insight into the world of ’70s fashion and the influential figures who shaped the industry. By learning about Paloma’s background and her journey in fashion and fragrance, Damas was able to fully embody the character and appreciate her impact on the fashion world. This deeper understanding allowed Damas to bring authenticity and depth to her portrayal of Paloma in the series.
Jeanne Damas’s portrayal of Paloma Picasso in Becoming Karl Lagerfeld showcases her versatility as an actress and her ability to embody a complex and influential figure in the fashion industry. By immersing herself in Paloma’s world and drawing parallels between their personal styles and approaches to beauty, Damas was able to bring depth and authenticity to the character. Through her research and preparation, Damas gained a deeper appreciation for Paloma’s impact on fashion and her ability to navigate the complexities of the industry with grace and influence.
