subject: Jean Paul Gaultier - A Flamboyant And Irreverent Creative Genius [print this page] Haute couture designer Jean Paul Gaultier, born in Arcueil, Val-de-Marne, France, in 1952, has been a mainstay of the fashion scene for decades, despite never having any formal training in design. Flamboyant and irreverent, he is known for creating controversy as well as his creative brilliance.
Gaultier got his start in the fashion world by sending sketches of his designs to various couture stylists as a teenager. When he was 18, he scored a hit with Pierre Cardin who saw his designs, was impressed and hired him as an assistant. He stayed briefly, left to work with Jacques Esterel and then Jean Patou, but returned in 1974 to manage a Pierre Cardin boutique.
In 1976, he released his first collection of his own work and by 1981, he had a reputation for his playful and unusual designs. His creations were often based on street wear and popular culture, and even his formal haute couture collections have a lighthearted and mischievous feel to them.
Despite many people writing him off as overly decadent, he caught the eye of a number of fashion editors for major magazines, who recognized his mastery of the subject as well as his impeccable attention to detail. Gaultier also caught the attention of Madonna and would go on to costume several of her shows. He was the creator of the now-infamous cone bra, which graced the stage during Madonna's Blonde Ambition tour. Gaultier also introduced men's skirts to the fashion world by including kilts in his men's collection.
Gaultier also stands out from the rest of his contemporaries in his use of models. He has chosen men who were older and women who were considered to be full-figured, which earned him both criticism and praise. He has also chosen unconventional people with piercings and tattoos, and has made a point of playing with gender roles.
Gaultier made his mark in the movie industry, designing costumes for such films as "The Fifth Element" and "The City of Lost Children," where his unique style added a new dimension to the storytelling. He also designs for a number of musicians, including people with such diverse styles as Marilyn Manson and Kylie Minogue.
Labels that are currently run by Gaultier include:
- Jean Paul Gaultier, a collection suitable for men or women to wear
- Gaultier Paris, the couture collection
- Eyewear Jean Paul Gaultier
In addition to fashion, Gaultier has also dabbled in television, as host of the show "Eurotrash," and even released a dance single called "How You Do That."
Jean Paul Gaultier released his first perfume in 1993 -- Classique, a scent that is both delicate and spicy, with notes of rose and anise. Other favorites in the line include:
- Gaultier 2, a unisex scent featuring vanilla and musk
- Le Male, a men's fragrance that is both warm and modern
- Ma Dame, a young, fresh and sporty scent for women
