Jean Paul Gaultier throws the ultimate farewell party for his final show at Paris Haute Couture Week - in pictures
23 January, 2020
Jean Paul Gaultier shocked the fashion world last week when he announced his Paris Haute Couture Week show would be his last.
The show, which took place at the Theatre du Chatelet on Wednesday, also coincided with Gaultier’s 50th anniversary in the industry, so it was always going to be big – and it did not disappoint.
The designer’s model muses were of course present. From Karlie Kloss and Gigi Hadid, to Coco Rocha and Dita Vo Tesse, his flamboyant show featured a stream of cross-generation supermodels.
He also continued his custom of adding unexpected cameos to his shows, with a runway debut from Paris Jackson, as well as appearances from Beatrice Dalle and Rossy de Palma.
Jean Paul Gaultier shocked the fashion world last week when he announced his Paris Haute Couture Week show would be his last.
The show, which took place at the Theatre du Chatelet on Wednesday, also coincided with Gaultier’s 50th anniversary in the industry, so it was always going to be big – and it did not disappoint.
The designer’s model muses were of course present. From Karlie Kloss and Gigi Hadid, to Coco Rocha and Dita Vo Tesse, his flamboyant show featured a stream of cross-generation supermodels.
He also continued his custom of adding unexpected cameos to his shows, with a runway debut from Paris Jackson, as well as appearances from Beatrice Dalle and Rossy de Palma.
Reclining on a chaise longue, Gaultier whispered, "Now I am going to give you a scoop. It will be my last couture show. You have to come, you can't miss that... but, but, but, I assure you, Gaultier Paris will go on, the haute couture will continue.
"I have a new concept. I will tell you about it later, all the little secrets. To be continued! Kisses!"
Gaultier stopped designing ready-to-wear clothes in 2015 to concentrate on haute couture - extravagant handmade clothes which only the world's richest women can afford.
A child fashion prodigy, Gaultier said he started by making showgirl outfits for his teddy bear.
He was personal assistant to French fashion magnate Pierre Cardin at 18, and rose to fame in the 1980s alongside designers like Thierry Mugler when the Paris fashion scene was at its most decadent.
He made pop history by putting Madonna in a conical bra, invented the "man skirt" and brought body diversity to the runway. He was also the industry's jester-in-chief. In a world riddled with snobbery and pretension, he had the common touch - poking fun at himself and fashion's myriad follies.
Source: www.thenational.ae