Jean Paul Gaultier, Autumn / Winter 2013, Photography by Patrice Stable
Forevermore the Enfant Terrible de Paris, Jean Paul Gaultier’s recent menswear strip-show made many references to his latest Pre-Fall women’s collection. Taking the best elements from classic garments of both genders, I imagine the JPG Atelier was more like Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory this season. “Ready my saw Igor, and pass me that arm from the vintage motorcycle jacket, muhahahaha.” The end results? A line up of pinstriped, power dressing, leather clad, Adonises wearing cable knit sweaters, tribal patterns, and peel-away ¾ skirts.
Had it not been for the patchwork zombie style of the construction and the red, blue, mustard trend palette, it would have been difficult to recognise this collection as being modern. However, many of the pieces that emerged from Gaultier’s workshop worked. A muted cherry suit with magnetic stick-on skirt and a couple of 80s jumpsuits in Mugler style had character, while circle studs, diamond mesh jeans and pinstriped onesies spiced up the collection. Unfortunately, for most of the guests at the show, the poorly organised strip tease elicited a hearty eye-roll accompanied by a groan of “was that REALLY necessary”? But for the King of Sex Sells, it absolutely was.
Ford Leland
