I was in two minds about visiting this exhibition but I’m really glad I went. I found the staging of the exhibition imaginative but best of all were the clothes themselves. So groundbreaking, decorative and humorous – I actually found myself cackling with laughter and gasping with admiration at some of the pieces.
You’re allowed to photograph without flash. Some of the mannequins are animated with eerie life-like audio-visual projections.
Gaultier draws inspiration from different eras and centuries, as well as being completely open, irreverent and passionate when it comes to borrowing from other cultures:
Here’s a bizarre outfit inspired by the French can can:
Nothing is taboo; Hasidic garb, traditionally worn by religious Jews from Eastern Europe is re-presented and made desirable:
Here are some examples of retro designs and multiculturalism:
He is constantly playful and rule breaking; for example in his use of fabrics – taking something utilitarian like military camouflage fabric and using it for a couture evening gown. His “mermaids” – highly decorative and beaded appear with jewel and shell-encrusted walking sticks.
His designs for Madonna, where he fused pop culture with fetish gear are also on display:
The exhibition is on til August 25, 2014 at London’s Barbican Centre.
