How does one become a world renowned fashion designer, everyone knows by name?

Jean Paul Gaultier shows us “Aow Tou Dou Zat!”

 

Recently having exhibited at Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria.  Jean Paul Gaultier brought us “From the sidewalk to the catwalk.”  Filled with fashion, photography, film and art, quotes from Madonna to Andy Warhol, and talking mannequins, it was a theatrical event indeed.  Even JPG’s teddy bear from his childhood made the long trip over from Paris.

                

Another childhood inspiration was his grandmother that would tell him inspiring tales to which he said, “That was all food for my imagination.”

            

A young boy with such an imagination could be thought of as somewhat girly.  A life changing moment occurred when one day at school, he drew a topless showgirl from a program he’d watched on a Folies Bergere Revue.  He had gotten in trouble from his teacher by doing so, but it was a blessing in disguise. “I was no longer the sissy who didn’t play soccer.”

Jean Paul Gaultier brought us sailor stripes, corset style dresses and the cone bra, pushing boundaries in fashion when it came to traditional roles of men and women, using model of all shapes & sizes, tattooed and pierced, men’s skirts and bondage inspired fashion.  We look forward to seeing what this unconventional designer brings us next!

“I think the way people dress today is a form of artistic expression…….Art lies in the way the whole outfit is put together.  Take Jean Paul Gaultier.  What he does is really art.” – Andy Warhol, 1984

 

 

Merci beacoup Monsieur Gaultier for bringing your world to ours, we bid you Bon-Voyage for now and wish you Bonne Chance with the rest of your tour.

 

Photo’s: Diane Kitanoski for www.thisisroshambo
Title: “How to do that” – Jean Paul Gaultier
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier at The National Gallery of Victoria  – 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne (exhibition now closed)
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