Jean Paul Gaultier arrived in Brooklyn, New York early last week to put the finishing touches on his acclaimed traversing exhibition, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk.
As the seventh venue to play host to Gaultier's more than 140 magnificent looks of haute couture and ready-to-wear ensembles, the Brooklyn Museum celebrated with a grand opening last Wednesday joined by Brooklyn Museum Director Arnold L. Lehman and model muses Farida Khelfa, Coco Rocha and Karlie Kloss. In addition, WSJ Editor-in-Chief, Kristina O'Neill, hosted a one-on-one interview with exhibition curator Thierry-Maxime Loriotn and Monsieur Gaultier this past Friday.
While the exhibition begins with JPG's signature breton stripe collection in a cerulean illuminated room, the provocative designer took it one step further by projecting moving faces on each of his mannequins. "I was inspired by a play I saw during my yearly trips to the theater festival in Avignon, France," the French designer told us in a personal interview. "I remember seeing rows of actors in a small, dark room and I was so surprised to realize they were not real at the end of the play. I thought it was incredible."
Starting with his premier designs from the 1970's, Gaultier's retrospect shows off his meticulous construction of cage corsets, leather-punk embellishments and most notably, his boudoir "cone bra" collection so famously worn by Madonna for her 1990's "Blond Ambition" tour. But the real star of the show is "Nana" – Gaultier's childhood teddy bear on whom he created his first cone bra inspired by his grandmother's brassiere.
Jean Paul Gaultier's exhibition offers close up, awe-inspiring insights guaranteed to heighten your senses and for the first time is offering works from his most recent collections along with stage costumes worn by Beyoncé. The exhibition is on display now at the Brooklyn Museum and runs through February 24, 2014. This is one you surely do not want to miss.
Photos courtesy of Nausheen Shah
-
Prince Harry Could “Make Some Form of Reconciliation” with the Royal Family for the Coronation, Expert Says
…but it would still be “extremely difficult.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The Princess of Wales Broke the Queen’s “Golden Rule” By Revealing This Private Detail
It makes sense why Her late Majesty wanted to keep this close to the vest.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
King Charles Brings in Archbishop of Canterbury to Broker Peace Deal Between Prince William and Prince Harry
The King wants Harry at the Coronation; William is apparently less enthused.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
What I Wear to Work: Rosh Mahtani
The London-based jewelry designer makes her pieces the focus of her outfits.
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Canada Goose x Reformation's Mila Puffer
Our Style Editor takes a coat from the collab out into the wild.
By Emma Childs
-
The 19 Best Winter Dresses For 2023
They'll bat away your winter blues.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 16 Best Sweater Vests for Women to Bundle Up In
This is not your grandpa's vest (sorry—still love you, Pop Pop).
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 12 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings in 2023, According to Editors
They'll keep you warm this winter—we promise.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 16 Best Turtlenecks for Women in 2023
Your favorite winter basic just got a lot less basic.
By Emma Childs
-
The 17 Best Leather Jackets for Women in 2023
Will take them all, thanks!
By Sara Holzman
-
The 12 Best Leather Totes for Women in 2023
The unsung heroine of your bag collection.
By Brooke Knappenberger