Field Trip: The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier- From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk

Jean Paul Gaultier

This weekend I finally had the opportunity to visit the Dallas Museum of Art to see the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit entitled "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier- From Sidewalk to the Catwalk". One word: AUH-MAZ-ING!! The exhibition highlights Gaultier’s eclectic and vibrant sources of inspiration through a selection of over 140 haute couture dresses and ready-to-wear pieces made between the early 1970s and 2011 as well as other multimedia exhibits highlighting collaborations, interviews as well as sketches from his collection. Dallas is the first of only two U.S. cities on the international tour (San Francisco being the other city in March 2012) so to be able to experience this once in a lifetime event made it that much better.

Jean Paul Gaultier is not only one of the best designers of the decade but he is also a visionary, a dreamer who wasn't scared to push the envelope and introduce the world into his dark deep mind of high fashion couture. The exhibit spread over 6 rooms who each had a different theme-“The Odyssey of Jean Paul Gaultier,” “The Boudoir,” “Skin Deep,” “Punk Cancan,” “Urban Jungle,” and “Metropolis” —featuring ensembles from the designer’s couture collections, as well as from his prêt-à-porter line, along with their accessories. The majority of these pieces have never been exhibited. Sketches, stage costumes, and excerpts from films, runway shows, concerts, dance performances, and televised interviews also provided a look at the couturier’s world and how his avant-garde fashions challenged societal codes in unexpected ways.

Entrance of Exhibit

The Talking Mannequins from "The Odyssey of Jean Paul Gaultier" room

As you walk into the exhibit you are immediately introduced to the invigorating mind of Mr. Gaultier. Each mannequin dawns an eerie projected image of a realistic talking face whose eyes seem to follow and examine you as if you were the exhibit. I was completely mesmerized by the faces... I could hardly pay attention to the clothing! You are also introduced to many of Gaultier childhood memories such as the first client he dressed (he made a cone bra for his teddy bear) as well as some of his collaborations with pop stars like Madonna and Kylie Minogue and some of his couture designs and sketches for the movie "The Fifth Element". Some of the designs were hand set, taking over 1000 hours to make!

Mannequins from the Skin Deep room featuring designs inspired from the human body. The black (L) is a skeleton replica made of rhinestones and the blood veins and matching hear purse (R) is constructed from red beading.

Mannequins from the Punk Cancun room. Featured moving runway of Paris inspired designs as well as punk rock inspired designs.



Having the opportunity to experience this exhibition was not only exhilarating but it was also inspiring and motivating. It tells the story of how a small town boy from France wasn't afraid to go against societal norm and went on to becoming a world-renown haute couture designer. I would highly encourage anyone who loves not only fashion but history and art as well to see it. The experience will be life changing.

Photos via D Magazine