JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, “L’ENFANT TERRIBLE DE LA MODE”, AT GRAND PALAIS IN PARIS
Last Monday night the most fashionable and artistic rendezvous in Paris was definitely happening at the Grand Palais.
After the huge success of Montreal, Dallas, Madrid and other cities, the exhibition dedicated to Jean Paul Gaultier’s work and world, curated by Thierry- Maxime Loriot, arrived finally in Paris, at home.
Rossy de Palma, Ariele Dombasle, Farida Khelfa ,Ines de la Fressange and Amanda Leer were only some of Jean Paul’s muses who arrived to the most incredible museum complex in Paris to admire the gigantic work of their friend, the ‘enfant terrible de la mode’.
Catherine Deneuve had a special walk through the exhibition with him and Kylie Minogue, who flew from Dubai especially for the opening, wearing an amazing peach pink corset dress, jumped into his arms in sign of love and admiration.
175 outfits from the emblematic collections but also sketches, videos and lots of photos have the purpose to reveal a universe which started to take shape when the designer began to style his teddy bear, as a child.
Known for his provocative vision, constantly connected to seduction and elegance, Gaultier has always preferred great personalities over conventional beauty. Last Monday night his favorite women were all there to celebrate him and have fun. Already in front of the photo call, they were laughing all together taking funny shots.
Clearly, Jean Paul Gaultier had a never ending smile of happiness just like the one he has on the poster of the exhibition ( signed by Pierre et Gilles) during the entire soirée which continued until late on the other side of the Palais, closer to the river, at the museum’s restaurant Mini Palais.
The building, which facades have been accurately illuminated in Gaultier’s style for the night, with blue and white stripes, hosted the glamourous crowd of VIPs which included also big photographers such as Mondino and Ellen von Unwerth, International Vogue editor Suzy Menkes, designers as Stephen Jones and Haider Ackerman, or Louboutin who spent the night with the French singer Mika commenting the ‘immense creativity’ of Jean Paul and his collections.The waiters and lot of friends were wearing the same stripes too, of course. Champagne and French delicacies enjoyed the parterre until 10pm when an unexpected concert of Christine and the Queens took over the scene and gave everyone a soundtrack to be remembered in this very festive and emotional evening.
“All I’ve ever done is to enjoy myself” said Jean Paul Gaultier during the press conference in the morning.He likes to consider this exhibition as his most important defilé and it seems that this specific amusing atmosphere of last night was exactly what Jean Paul has always wished for his unforgettable shows. Francesca Ragazzi
JPG by Pierre et Gilles, at Grand Palais in Paris until August 3rd
JPG with Ellen Von Unwerth
Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition at Grand Palais, Paris until August 3rd
JPG and Kylie Minogue at his exhibition launch at Grand Palais in Paris
JPG and Amanda Leer
