THE FASHIONISTA BIBLE · JAPONISTA UNIVERSE
Gaultier: Stripes, Corsets and Paris Mischief
Jean Paul Gaultier, born in 1952, had no formal fashion training. He joined Pierre Cardin’s studio at eighteen and showed his own first collection in 1976. The Breton stripe, the sailor, the corset and the printed mesh top became his signatures, worn on the street and the stage alike.
The cone-bra corsetry made for Madonna’s 1990 Blond Ambition tour carried the house far beyond fashion, and the Le Male fragrance followed in 1995. From 2003 to 2010 he was creative director of Hermès womenswear. The ready-to-wear line closed in 2015, and couture has continued since with guest designers.
Japan took to Gaultier early, and mesh tops, tattoo-print layers and striped knits from the 1990s and 2000s still circulate here in good order. Stretch fabrics age differently from tailoring, so we note elasticity, pilling and print condition in each description.
The Hunting Salon™
If you are looking for a particular Gaultier piece, season or size, the Hunting Salon™ can assist discreetly with search, verification and shipping.
Curator’s note: For the wider map of the great houses, read House Codes. Continue with the Fashionista Bible, the directory of Japanese fashion designers and the collector guides.
Frequently asked questions
Does the house still make ready-to-wear?
No. The ready-to-wear line ended in 2015; couture continues.
How is condition described?
Every piece carries a Japanese condition rank from N to C, explained in Japanese Condition Ranks Explained.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes. Duties vary by destination; see Import Duties on Luxury Goods from Japan.
Index terms: jean paul gaultier · gaultier vintage · gaultier mesh top · gaultier stripes · gaultier archive · jpg paris · le male · paris designer archive
