The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier


So last Saturday I enjoyed a jaunt down to London organised by the lovely Roisin and also attended by the equally lovely Amy, Emmie, Janene, Jen and Katie. Predictably (and most enjoyably) we kicked off the day with a trip to Goldhawk Road, pretty much visiting each and every shop. I didn't go crazy, choosing quality over quantity for once, and snapping up some divine sandwashed silk crepe.

Then we headed over to the Barbican to gawp at The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. Oh my, what an excellent exhibition! It was much larger than I expected and I couldn't stop marveling at just how many of his designs I recognised not only from the catwalk, but also from all walks of popular culture! Admittedly I didn't know an awful lot about the man before, but I picked up so much about him on the day which Janene sums up beautifully here.
 
I went a little snap happy to be honest (you would have too), so I'm just going to share my absolute favourites below, which really are a tiny taster of what was on show.

I was particularly enamoured by the structured lingerie...



These ethereal creatures stole my heart with their floaty gowns and haunting faces. In fact, the moving faces projected on many of the mannequins was one of the highlights of the
 exhibition for me...some of them were exceptionally cheeky!




My love of animal prints is well documented, so no wonder I was drawn to this masterpiece! Despite the realism, it was actually hand-beaded in *just* 1,060 hours...the detail is exquisite!




It's hard not to have a soft spot for the very iconic nautical line which inspired the popular fragrances...


Mr Gaultier himself even made an appearance to tell us a little bit about the exhibition...hehe!


Lastly, how could my inner Sex Pistols loving punk not be drawn to these!?!



Janene has set herself the challenge of recreating this super cool jacket...can't wait to 
see how it turns out!!!


As you can imagine, a great day was had despite my train journey woes (which I won't bore you with even though I love a good moan). I stupidly didn't take any group shots or selfies...but here's some photographic evidence of Roisin and I enjoying a Gaultier-themed cocktail.

Do you have a favourite Jean Paul Gaultier line or era?

21 comments:

  1. That looks like a wonderful exhibition - and I wouldn't have believed that that leopard print dress wasn't real fur if you hadn't have taken the close-up shot. WOW - how fantastic, all that bead work!
    Loving the sound of your sandwashed silk crepe - what colour did you get and what are you hoping to make with it (if you can tell us)?

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    1. Thanks Suzanna! I went for a gorgeous coral and a lovely grey...not 100% sure what I'm making yet, but I'm thinking a dress with the coral...got my eye on a cute 60s pattern ;o)

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  2. Oh myngoodness that leopard print dress is uh-mazing! How is that not (faux) fur but just beading? Mind is officially blown.

    Love the look of the rest of the exhibition too - just might have to pay it a visit! :)

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    1. It really, really was uh-mazing indeed!!!

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  3. Last yime I saw a JPG exhibit was about a decade ago in London as well. Breath taking and I'm especially in l with the nautical style. Don't know if you've seen the City of Lost Children, but Gaultier dud the costume design, nits a great film.

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    1. No, I haven't actually...must check that out asap ;o)

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  4. my favourite JPG is him on eurotrash. he was just fabulous. but i have a serious soft spot for the madonna corsets.

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  5. Oh goodness, thank you for these photos. I wish I could drop some cash and fly over to see this exhibit!
    And I love the costume design he did in The Fifth Element!!

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    1. You're most welcome! Hope you get to see a JPG exhibition at some point, I know they are held around the world so fingers crossed for you!

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  6. How neat, thanks for sharing this eye candy (aka couture masterpieces).

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  7. Lovely photos!! It looks well worth the effort ( and whatever train trauma you suffered!) I've really enjoyed ogling and admiring your faves. :-)

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    1. Thanks Winnie...it was really hard narrowing down my favourites!!!

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  8. these photos are marvelous - thank you SO much for sharing them - what an amazing exhibit. that beaded leopard dress is especially out-of-this-world!

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  9. I was fortunate to see this exhibit when it stopped by San Francisco a couple of years ago, and it was amazing!! My favorite was a backless 40s style suit that was genius!

    The inclusion of the hours worked is something that I never have seen before, but it was absolutely brilliant – hope they continue to do that sort of thing in the future. And you were not the only one amazed by that leopard beaded masterpiece.

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    1. Oh yes, the backless 40s style suit was amazing too! Way too much eye candy to choose from!!! I only wish I had noted down more of the hours worked...but there was so much to take in!

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  10. What a lovely day out!
    Meet ups are a great idea otherwise sewing can become quite a solitary activity! Great pictures, thanks.
    There is a knitwear exhibit starting on 19t Sept at the Fashion and Textile Museum caled Knitwear Chanel to Westwood that you guys might like.
    All the best

    Miss J.

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    1. Oh wow, thanks for letting me know about the knitwear exhibit...sounds right up our street! You should join in on the meetup fun...it's not exclusive and very welcoming!!!

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