Celebrating Jean Paul Gaultier : My favourite Fashion Brand
In the word of luxury fashion, one name that comes to mind is Jean Paul Gaultier, a true fashion icon. This blog will venture through Gaultier’s uplifting persona, his innovative creations and revolutionary career. This will demonstrate why this exuberant designer stands out among other successful and recognisable fashion designers.
Gaultier was born in the Paris suburb of Arcueil in 1952, where his grandmother, Marie Garrabe, first introduced him to the world of fashion. From a young age, Gaultier expressed his interest in fashion, as he would draw fashion illustrations and send them off to famous couture stylists in the hope of being noticed. Stemming from a modest background demonstrates to his supporters that he is a diligent, self-made creative. This elevates some form of realness about him, which inspires others to also follow their passions and aspirations.
What sets Gaultier apart from other big designers is his valiant approach to fashion. His garments aren’t just made to be clothes, they’re made to tell stories, challenge society’s norms and reinvent beauty standards. Gaultier quotes “Fashion isn’t art to me, but a representation of somewhat of what’s happening in society.” His use of atypical materials and textiles, such as industrial metal like tin cans, repurposed and distressed denim, rubbish bags and neoprene from wetsuits. The use of these everyday items indicates his distinctive talent to flip ‘rubbish’ into incredible fashion statements.
Renowned for his dedication to diversity, Gaultier’s runway shows included individuals of all ages, sizes, genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. His website contains a page on diversity which states in big bold letters ‘Gaultier Celebrates Differences’. On his website he also proceeds to elaborate on why diversity is important. ‘Jean-Paul Gaultier celebrates all identities and flouts rules and norms, appropriating, transforming and reinventing them. The basis of JPG’s universe: the beauty in difference.’ After all fashion is a form of self-expression and is unique to every individual. Gaultier’s values express how important it is to show the world that everyone is beautiful in their own way.
Unlike other major fashion designers, Gaultier believes that fashion shouldn’t be exclusive, but accessible to all. We can see this from the vast size range his ready-to-wear collections contain. Gaultier has also collaborated with affordable retailers such as Target to make his clothing accessible to those who may not be able to afford it.
In a decade where sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do, Gaultier’s practices show commitment to ethical and environmental methods within his company. He has incorporated repurposed vintage garments as well as recycled materials into his collections. Not only is Gaultier conscious of the impact of his garments on the planet, but his fragrances too. In 2021 he set up an economical ‘re-fill and go’ station for fragrances to cut down on the production of glass bottles and plastic. He has also minimised the use of packaging for orders, incorporating recyclable cardboard as the main material used.
Gaultier’s long lasting impression on the fashion world has been created by his brave attitude to targeting the norms of society. We are shown this by many of his extraordinary eccentric designs such as the corset and cone bra. As seen on celebrities such as Madonna, Kylie Jenner and Niki Minaj.
In April 1990, Madonna wore the iconic pink conical bra during her Blond Ambition tour. Madonna personally requested Gualtier to design her costumes for the tour. She wrote to him expressing her love for his designs and his humorous take on fashion. “When Madonna first called me in 1989, it was two days before my ready-to-wear show, and I thought my assistant was joking,” said Gaultier in a 2001 interview with the New York Times. Like many of Gaultier’s supporters, Madonna admired his garments for possessing both masculine and feminine characteristics. In a decade where homophobia was normalised, Gaultier’s take on fashion targeted this as well as helping to break down gender stereotypes and push boundaries.
Gaultier’s undefeatable uplifting attitude, striking designs, dedication to sustainability and commitment to diversity collectively showcase how he is an incredible individual as well as an iconic fashion designer. His story and persistence remind people to follow their passion and persevere with their goals. His career demonstrates the endless possibilities of fashion and self-expression.