Raf Simons Interviews Fashion's Leading Sound Director Michel Gaubert

Having collaborated with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Oscar de la Renta, Jil Sander and many, many more, Michael Gaubert has produced runway soundtracks for the biggest names in fashion, on top of providing music for the Parisian retailer colette. After landing a gig as a buyer at an independent record store in the late ’70s, Gaubert decided to create his own sound and soon began DJing around Europe befriending the who’s who of style. From directing an 80-piece orchestra at Chanel’s famous Spring/Summer 2011 show at the Grand Palais to co-creating a range of limited-edition luggage, Gaubert is one of the most influential, yet relatively unknown names in the world of fashion. In the current issue of Industrie, Dior’s head of creative Raf Simons talks to Gaubert about his career and inspirations. Check out an excerpt below.

When you look back at everything that you’ve done, what stands out?

One of my most incredible fashion show moments was the Fendi show on the Great Wall of China. I had such a hard time conceptualizing where I was. It was a fantasy. It was crazy. It was eccentric. I remember changing everything overnight because it had to be spectacular. It was one of my coolest memories.

What kind of music changed your life?

David Bowie and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. I’m obsessed with David Bowie. My infatuation stems from the fact that he was the first artist, for me, who was super-multimedia, that he was using everything you could to build his music, sound, and image. And it was perfect every time—the artwork, the music, the looks. This was the first time image and sound came to my vision. And I liked that he was building a character in music. I was fascinated by the whole thing—to realize how it all came together. Before that, it was more abstract.

When you think of me, what music are you drawn to immediately?

When I think of your shows, I think of Plastikman, because I remember when I came to visit you one summer, you were playing him all day long by the swimming pool. I like that about you. You’re more of an electronic person than a rock person.