“I have been always influenced more by reality…to try to make it like people in the streets. It’s the best compliment.” – Jean Paul Gaultier
I was lucky enough to have seen The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk exhibit at the de Young Museum while I was home in San Francisco. The exhibit featured 130 of Gaultier’s pieces spanning 35 years including his signature Breton stripes, cone bras and punk influences. Talking mannequins with facial video projections enhanced the experience by channeling Gaultier’s dark and haunting inspiration for many of his designs. The majority of his pieces took over 120 to 200 hours to complete, showing his extreme attention to detail and quality of his garments. I especially enjoyed seeing how Gaultier shaped the images of Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Lady Gaga through his provocative garments.
Gaultier’s ability to transform street style influences into runway masterpieces is especially relevant in today’s fashion world with the popularity of street style inspired fashion bloggers such as Garance Doré and Scott Schuman. The exhibit which runs until August 19, 2012, is a must-see for anyone in the San Francisco area.
Check out this video of the exhibit (via de Young Museum):
Instagrams I took from the exhibit:
