It has happened; the last prêt-a-porter (ready-to-wear) by Jean-Paul Gaultier (JPG). Once referred to as the enfant terrible of French fashion, Gaultier has decided to focus his creative mien on haute couture collections and his fragrances which will facilitate a colossal opportunity for another ambitious, delicious millennial. (This is Fashion Reverie positive approach to his departure from prêt-a-porter.)
The awful truth is Fashion Reverie and the fashion industry at large will miss his ready-to-wear collections. The fact that we find men skirts and Madonna’s “cones” a normal occurrence shows how much influence Jean-Paul Gaultier has had on the modern fashion scene.
The last collection at the Grand Rex Theatre was no less spectacular than previous ready-to-wear collections. Set up as a beauty pageant with an invitation in the form of a beauty queen sash in the colors of the French tricolore, this final promenade promised to be a memorable moment. Opening with girls in sailor stripes dancing to Prince’s “1999,” radio journalist Alex Taylor took the stage. He invited Rossy de Palma portraying Madame de Fontenay, the behatted former chair of the French “Miss” committee.
Each section represented a memorable moment from Gauthier’s illustrious career. Miss Tour de France and Lucha Libre represented Gaultier’s sports collection. Slightly older ladies strutting down the catwalk with much younger men in tote represented Vintage. Miss Smoking reminded us that there is a thin line between between masculine and feminine looks. Footballer’s wives were a great tribute to the euro trash glitz look.
Fashion Reverie’s favorite and the most popular section was a tribute to fashion editors that have supported and inspired JPG throughout his career. “The dominatrix whippers with their critiques” were suddenly on the runway in their signature looks.
Grace Coddington (American Vogue) was in high waisted, wide-legged pants and a feathery white shirt. She wore flats and a small black clutch.
Babeth Dijian (Numero) black, body silhouette pants, small-heeled stilettos, edgy black leather jacket that JPG is so good at designing and of course a cigarette in hand.
Emmanuelle Alt (Vogue Paris) wore all black as well but with laced tight black pants and a cell phone in her hand.
Franca Sozzani (Vogue Italia) was in vogue in a tight top and a midi patent leather, flirty skirt.
Carine Roitfeld (CR Fashion Book) was lovely in an olive coat in strappy sandals in a shimmer top.
Suzy Menkes (International Herald Tribune/Vogue UK) is where we finally saw some color; a bright green overcoat, fabulous pair of gloves, bright red and yellow scarf.
The Miss Jean Paul Gaultier pageant had two finalists, Coco Rocha and Anna Cleveland who both wore blush pink-coned bustier dresses. Coco won the competition but fainted upon receiving the crown.
Jean-Paul Gaultier happily said goodbye to his pret-a Porter collection, bowing with a huge Cheshire grin. After all he was the true winner of this pageant!!
—Tijana Ibrahimovic
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