Go Go Gaultier

Here's a quick peek at the Jean Paul Gaultier show that opens today at the de Young Museum, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. My friends Karen, Larry, hubby Matt and I attended the member's preview yesterday. The show is several large rooms filled with mannequins in his designs, many with faces digitally projected that moved and spoke. It was eerie and captivating, I felt they were looking and talking directly to me.  The show is overwhelming for one visit. We decided we needed to go back at least two times to take it all in. We also saw the American premiere showing of Jean Paul Gaultier ou les Codes Bouleverses, done by his longtime friend and model Farida Khelfa. She translated the title to Jean Paul Gaultier or How to Subvert Haute Couture. The documentary was elegantly done and Jean Paul sparkled with his charm, humor and warmth.

As soon as I can get my black cigarette pants and pointy boots on, I'm headed back to the Museum this morning to meet Karen and attend the conversation with Suzy Menkes, International Herald Tribune's fashion editor and Jean Paul. I'm not sure who I am more thrilled to see! More to come.

"Guadalupe" gown. Virgins (or Madonnas) collection
haute couture spring/summer 2007

Ex-voto gown. Virgins (or Madonnas) collection
haute couture spring/summer 2007

"Auerole" gown. Virgin (or Madonnas) collection,
haute couture spring/summer 2007.

Russia collection, haute couture fall/winter 1997-1998

Nana, Jean Paul's first teddy bear
wearing the first cone bra and his grandmother's make-up.

Above and below: Madonna's corsets from her
Blond Ambition World Tour 1990

Costume sketch from Madonna's
Blond Ambition World Tour, 1989-1990

On the right, Women Among Women collection,
Women's pret-a-porter fall/winter 1989-1990

From Gaultier's first show in 1977, raffia placemats!

"Moins que zero" ensemble,
haute couture fall/winter 2010-2011.

The Hussars collection, "La Mariee" wedding gown
haute couture fall/winter 2002-2003.

First collection, Women's pret-a-porter
spring/summer 1977

The Concierge is in the Staircase collection,
Women's pret-a-porter spring/summer 1988.

Buttons collection, "Passe-passe" suit,
haute couture spring/summer 2003

Buttons collection," La Dame aux boutons" dress,
haute couture spring/summer 2003.

French Cancan collection,
Women's pret-a-porter fall/winter 1991-1992.