WHO IS JEAN PAUL GAULTIER?
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
It’s difficult to imagine what goes into a Jean Paul Gaultier collection. Imagination abounds and is expressed through a captivating runway performance.
Beginning on October 6, 2012 and stretching through January 6, 2013, loyal followers of the titillating designer will be able to see the European premiere of ‘The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk’ at Madrid’s FUNDACION MAPFRE.
On display will be over 120 ready-to-wear and haute couture ensembles spanning over 35 years in addition to excerpts from films, music video and fashion shows. Mannequins have a life-like presence. As an added bonus, visitors will get to see photographs by some of the world’s leading fashion photographers and contemporary artists.
Spain itself will have new additions of a specially-conceived grouping located within the Urban Jungle section. This gives you a look into the world of Gaultier and illustrates how some of Spain’s most cherished cultural icons, from toreros to flamenco dancers, have influenced his work. Exclusive to this venue, Gaultier’s eye-catching costumes for films by Pedro Almodovar will be installed in a special dedicated gallery.
Many would say that Jean Paul Gaultier has redefined the boundaries of fashion in his own unique way. As Exhibition Curator Thierry-Maxine Loriot puts it, “From Swashbucklers and Samurais to Chic Rabbis and Madonnas, Jean Paul Gaultier’s diverse influences for his couture and ready-to-wear collections have always been eclectic, surprising and daring. As someone who initiates trends instead of following them, you discover in his work his passion for different types of beauties. No matter your age, shape, skin color, or gender is, everyone is welcomed in his universe.” This is the celebration of 35 years of creation.
Also on display will be never seen before pieces such as the two iconic corsets from Madonna’s 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour.
Gaultier feels a certain closeness to Spain with dreams as a boy of becoming a Spanish teacher. He has designed for a number of Spanish artists. Spanish culture is a huge inspiration for him. As an example, he has reinterpreted its bolero jackets, fans and Sevillian shawls in several collections. As he reverts to the street to also get inspired, his desire is for his creations to be worn, lived in and seen by the entire world. He is a different sort of designer but different is synonymous with innovative and interesting and this ultimately translates into self-expression of the finest kind.
The exhibition is divided into six sections:
The Odyssey with trademark themes; sailors, mermaids and religious iconography with Gaultier’s very first design from 1971 on display for the very first time.
The Boudoir looking back at the designer’s early years and early influences.
Skin Deep – what Jean Paul describes as being the first garment and the various types of decorations that complete it.
Punk Cancan which is a look into the blending of contrasting styles and themes.
Urban Jungle: a mixing and matching of multiethnic influences.
Metropolis blending the field of high technology and science fiction.
Big thanks go out to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) for initiating and producing the first international show dedicated to a brilliant designer who has transformed us throughout the years. This aspires to be a groundbreaking project that sheds light on the artist, his work and his influence on the world.
If you are unable to visit and experience this exhibition in person, a published catalogue will give a first-hand view from the pages of history. For more information, go to www.exposicionesmapfrearte.com/jpg.
PHOTO CREDITS: Cecilia Bonn Marketing & Communications, Zimbio, Google Images, www.style.com, Ed Jay/de Young Museum
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