19 JANVIER 1997: BIRTH OF GAULTIER PARIS

A dream has finally come true, to give life to a fashion collection made oneself: the ability to be free, the possibility of thinking "differently" about fashion, driven by the need to be up-to-date, elegant, creative for ones contemporaries.


The collection includes 70 models, 15 of which are for men because Jean-Paul Gaultier is still faithful to beliefs: men and women deserve elegance and have the right to vestmental arms of seduction as well as remaining themselves. This couture collection offers men embroidery, bustiers, fur collars, an open back veiled in lace.


The collection is built and presented as the wardrobe of a modern woman: to start, the clothing is super simple, a second skin, the black crepe catsuit, for day and for night. This is followed by suits, the chic and essential formula (Jean-Paul Gaultier is above all a tailor and his men or women's suits are clearly "identifiable" by their cut and finishes) shown here in a stretch sweater suit version that fits over the head; an over large version to be wrapped up in; a bias cut front deep cleavage version with very pure lines; finally a décolleté version, bare shoulders or scoop back. In contrast with the strict suits comes the jackets, blouses, overcoats, in tennis stripes or organza, kimono adaptations are also worn from morn to eve. Another essential item, the dress, without forgetting the little black dress, more or less covered - demure and embroidered -, more or less sexy - a décolleté sliding off one shoulder-, ultra light dress in cotton tulle on a nude background or reproachless like the black crepe corset dress.


A couture collection is also full of surprises that make the most reasonable garment seductive and a stand out. Jean-Paul Gaultier blends charm and tenderness with a touch of spice, as shown by the car cardigan with glove sleeves crocheted with peccary leather; the same is true as he changes his signature sailor's top into a "siren" dress with ecru and navy lace stripes, old jeans are taken apart and sumptuously embroidered with jet for a frock coat with princely and impertinent outline. It is also the sparkle of a bustier embroidered with dragons and a lacquer red skirt which seems to "fall". Then like a cloud, light as cotton candy, an evening dress completely draped with white tulle on a peach background.


In these 70 models, Jean-Paul Gaultier wanted to seduce and correspond to today's desires; his collection combines traditional talent, creativity and pleasure necessary for modern elegance. Couture has its rules. After having taken the client's measurements, the clothing is made in the designer's workshop, then adapted and perfected in one or two fittings. Couture is custom-made work done with great perfection on a given body. Couture is a unique garment for oneself. Jean-Paul Gaultier also wanted lower prices to reach a new female clientele.

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