Jean Paul Gaultier's New Collection Is Historically Tattooed
Florence Tétier dips into the designer’s archives, recalling ’90s runway movements and body art fascinations.
French designer Jean Paul Gaultier has always set himself apart from the rest. His unconventional design language and explicit motifs are jarring to the eye, cementing himself in fashion history books. Creative Director Florence Tétier has continued his legacy by reintroducing classic JPG styles for current generations.
From tinned dresses to gimmicky corsets, Gaultier is in a realm of his own — reflected across the brand’s new “TATTOO” collection. Tétier revisits Gaultier’s hand-traced body art collection released in 2009, enlisting Omahyra Mota and Mia Kidis for its first reissue while recreating imagery from his Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2002 runway.
Jean Paul Gaultier
Gaultier’s “TATTOO” collection arrives in two skin tones, featuring skintight tops with pierced breasts that are undoubtedly realistic. Japanese-inspired artwork collides with chained prints on the body, while sailors are portrayed on Safe Sex Forever motifs and pin-up boy drawings from Spring/Summer 1994. Striped tops and dresses receive blooming roses, shining suns, and more, while cropped and tulle garments mimic dancing uniforms.
Pointed corsets and matching mini-skirts pay tribute to classic Gaultier designs, followed by screen-printed bolero jackets and faded denim with buttoned closures that transform into new silhouettes.
Speaking exclusively to Hypebeast on the collection, Florence Tétier says:
“I wanted to capture this past/present nod to well-known campaigns and Jean Paul Gaultier’s historic collections.
With that, having this day/night wardrobe: someone could perfectly go to work in the morning and end the night raving all night with it — and also go to work the next day without sleeping if wanted. That typical circle of life in an exciting city!”
Take a closer look at Jean Paul Gaultier’s “TATTOO” collection in the gallery above. It will be available on October 6 via the brand’s website and select retailers.
Elsewhere, FENDI launches vivid skiwear collection for 2023.
