Endeavoring to tear down gender stereotypes and sartorial norms on the catwalk, making underwear outerwear, putting men in skirts and models of all shapes and sizes on the runway, Jean Paul Gaultier has created wildly provocative, transformational designs for day dresses, gowns, tops and other garments that draw on numerous influences and boldly merge haute couture with street sensibility.
An only child raised in the suburbs of Paris, Gaultier didn’t have a formal fashion education. But he loved to sketch and was drawn to clothing, citing the corsets in his maternal grandmother’s closet as having a formative impact on his creative direction. He’s said that some of his earliest fashion work was for his teddy bear, and later he would send his sketches to designers he revered, including Pierre Cardin.
Gaultier began his career in 1970 as an assistant to Cardin, who admired the sketches the 18-year-old had sent for his appraisal. After Gaultier had his first runway show in 1976, featuring unconventional statements like pairing motorcycle jackets with ballerina skirts, it didn’t take long for his star to rise.
Gaultier's playful but exquisitely crafted reimaginings of classic Parisian styles — the striped mariner shirt, the trench coat — soon became recurring themes of his eponymous house, which he founded with his life partner and business associate Francis Menuge in 1982.
“He was absolutely peerless for the longest time in the late ’80s and early ’90s,” fashion editor Tim Blanks told the New York Times. This was the period of Gaultier’s most iconic designs.
In 1984, Gaultier’s “Boy Toy” collection challenged men’s fashion with striped shirts and skirts — and sold around 3,000 of them. He was hailed for spectacle-laden runway shows and superb tailoring. Gaultier began to work with Madonna during the late 1980s, and, at the pop star’s request, he designed the costumes for her 1990 “Blond Ambition” tour. Her pink corset became a cultural touchstone of the era.
Gaultier continued to expand his brand. There were the colorful all-over graphic prints in the sheer stretch-tulle fabric of his Soleil line — which have gained fans in millennials seeking the authentic, easy style of 1990s fashion — and he debuted his first couture collection in 1997. Gaultier created costumes for film and stage and was nominated for a César Award for Best Costume Design for The City of Lost Children (1995) and then a second for Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element (1997).
From 2003 to 2010, Gaultier was the creative director for Hermès. The first international exhibition of his work, “The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk,” debuted in 2011 at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and toured to cities including Stockholm, New York City, Dallas and London. Vintage Gaultier Birkin bags are unsurprisingly sought-after collectibles, and the So Black collection — a line that included the So Black Birkin, which featured black PVD-coated hardware — was among his last works for the brand before his departure.
Gaultier presented his last ready-to-wear collection in 2014 and in 2020 stepped down from his couture line, ending his boundary-pushing, industry-shaping reign with a raucous show of more than 230 outfits formed from fragments of collections from across his 50-year career.
One of fashion’s enfants terribles, Gaultier has never sought out pretty for pretty’s sake. Instead, he has challenged the traditional ideals of beauty. Today, the designer's vintage clothing designs — experimental undergarments cut from lace and suede, leather-trimmed evening dresses and jackets of denim, plastic or striped jersey — are as punk as they are high fashion.
Find vintage Jean Paul Gaultier dresses, skirts, jeans and accessories today on 1stDibs.
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER 2002 Vintage Mesh Tank Top JPG Tee T-Shirt Eyelash
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage 2002 Sheer ivory white mesh 3D eyelash print Pullover Size XS but can fit up to a Medium New Condition, no flaws Measurements in inches laying flat: length...
Jean Paul Gaultier Junior Spring 1989 Leopard Print Lace Up Back Denim Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Gaultier Junior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Jean Paul Gaultier is a collectors dream. This dynamite leopard print denim dress originates from the Spring/Summer 1989 'Travel Around the World in 168 Outfits' collection. Thi...
Jean Paul Gaultier Maille Femme 1990s Sheer Ribbed Ruffle Top Size M
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Maille Femme black sheer ribbed knit top dating from the 1990s. A quintessential Gaultier design, the piece features a plunging neckline framed by dra...
S/S 1992 Jean Paul Gaultier dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Austin, TX
S/S 1992 Jean Paul Gaultier sheer black mesh with tails as seen in MET condition: Excellent Chest: 30-35", Waist: 26-29", Hips: open, Length: 29" down front & 62" down back SIZE...
2001 Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Purple Chiffon Beaded Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
This mesmerising, elaborately beaded silk gown was designed by Jean Paul Gaultier himself for our haute couture client. It was made circa 2001 and masterfully crafted from iridescent...
2003 Jean Paul Gaultier Hooded Metallic Silk Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Austin, TX
Jean Paul Gaultier Hooded Silk Dress From the Fall/Winter 2003 Collection by Jean Paul Gaultier Gold & Metallic Patterned Sash-Tie Belt 1920s flapper style w/o belt Bust 35" W...
Pleated wool kilt with check pattern and leather strap JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER 2
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pleated wool kilt with check pattern and leather strap closure on the side. SIZE 42(It) /L
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage 1990s Iconic Corset Cotton & Satin Black Mini Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage 1990s Iconic Corset Cotton & Satin Black Dress Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Iconic lingerie style corset black dress in black cotton and satin with a la...
Jean Paul Gaultier 1990s Black Silk V Neck Vest Top Unisex Medium
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Black Silk V neck silk vest top with sheer crepe silk overlay . Fit size 4/6/8 Medium
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39 Reference: VACN/A00162 Brand: Hermes Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Model: Fall/Winter 2010 Material: L...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage navy silver button wide leg nautical pants IT42 M
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage navy silver button wide leg nautical pants IT42 M Reference: AEMA/A00099 Brand: Jean Paul Gaultier Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Material: Cotton Color: Nav...
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Cream Suede Cut Out Halter Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Jean Paul Gaultier Halter Cream Suede cut out open back halter cocktail dress. V neck, halter, suede, cut out. Fit size US 6/8/ MEDIUM
Long printed see-through silk chiffon sleeveless tunic JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER Maille
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long printed see-through silk chiffon sleeveless tunic . Fabric composition: 100% silk . Rayon striped ribs on the top edge SIZE S on tag but fit also M
Jean Paul Gaultier “Safe Sex Forever” Dragon-Print Mesh Dress 2023
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
An iconic semi-sheer mesh dress by Jean Paul Gaultier from the contemporary “Dress Like Jean Paul” collection, a line that reinterprets the most famous and recognizable elements of J...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Tropical Burst Print Off‑Shoulder Bodycon Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage tropical burst print off‑shoulder bodycon dress with purple raffia-like trim along the neckline. This dress features : - Off‑shoulder bodycon silhouette w...
Jean Paul Gaultier New Silk Jacket Top 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A spectacular black silk jacket/blouse with a multitude of detail by Jean Paul Gaultier. It has a stand up collar, a V front and back yoke which along with the balloon sleeves' wide...
Jean Paul Gaultier New Hourglass Jacket 1980s
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Junior Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous leopard print denim sleeveless vest, jacket, top from Jean Paul Gaultier's Junior Gaultier line. It is sleeveless with a collar, button chest pockets, gold Gaultier inscri...
Jean Paul Gaultier Cage Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black cotton denim jacket from Jean Paul Gaultier's Junior Gaultier line. It is a take on the jean jacket with the expected long sleeves, collar, yoke and Gaultier inscri...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Black Wool High‑Waisted Suspender Trousers US Size 8
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage black high‑waisted suspender trousers. This high‑waisted suspender pant perfectly channels the couture universe of Jean Paul Gaultier, where structure, se...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Semi-Sheer Mesh Ancient Greek Venus Bust Print Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage iconic semi‑sheer mesh top featuring a multicolor Ancient Greek Venus‑bust print, finished with padded collar, cuffs, and hem. The design exemplifies Gaul...
Jean Paul Gaultier Fur Trim Crop Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black fur trimmed jacket from Jean Paul Gaultier. It is cropped with a soft, fur trimmed collar in shades of grey and full raglan sleeves with matching wide fur cuffs. ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Palm Tree Mesh Maxi Skirt by Fuzzi, Late 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, DE
Iconic vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil mesh maxi skirt featuring the house’s highly sought-after tropical palm tree print in vivid sunset tones of coral, blue, pink, and deep burgu...
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique F/W 1998–1999 “Raft of the Medusa” Mesh Print Top M
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique
Located in Berlin, DE
Iconic vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Classique mesh top from the Fall/Winter 1998–1999 collection, featuring the house’s celebrated “Raft of the Medusa” art print inspired by Théodore G...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER The Piercing black gold silver ring detail ribbed tank top S
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER The Piercing black cotton gold silver ring detail strap ribbed tank top S Reference: CYVN/A00048 Brand: Jean Paul Gaultier Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Material: C...
Gaultier Lace up Denim Jean Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Junior Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great navy denim blue jean jacket inspired vest from Jean Paul Gaultier Junior line. It has gold Gaultier inscribed metal buttons up the front, on the patch pockets and hips. It ...
Madonna’s Rare Jean Paul Gaultier 1988 Navy Padded Vintage Blazer 80s Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare musuem worthy JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Pour GIBO SS1988, as worn by Madonna in the 1990 Blonde Ambition Tour! Navy blue sculpted padded corset blazer jack...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage 1990s Red Ecru Stripe Body-Con Midi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
A stretch-knit body-con midi dress from Jean Paul Gaultier Maille in bold vertical red and ecru stripes, circa early 1990s. - Multi-strap neckline with five wide parallel straps fan...
Striped cotton tank-top JEAN -PAUL GAULTIER Maille
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Striped cotton tank-top. Fabric composition: 90% cotton, 10% elastane. SIZE S but fit XS
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Y2K Mesh Top Pop Art Rare Archive Piece S
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CACHAN, FR
Rare vintage Jean Paul Gaultier mesh tank top featuring an iconic pop-art inspired portrait print in vibrant multicolor tones. A highly collectible early 2000s/Y2K piece showcasing t...
Jean Paul Gaultier Victorian Style Sheer Organdy Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier Victorian Style Sheer Organdy Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Body Con Floral Feather Mesh Dress, 2000s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Dress features a body con design with stretch fabric providing a comfortable fit. The bold floral print in bold acid-tinged colors. Mid length perfec...
2005 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER sheer black RUNWAY dress with capelet and bustle back
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This Jean Paul Gaultier dress is from Spring 2005, as seen on the runway in a slightly shorter version. This Jean Paul Gaultier dress is made from sheer black fabric, cut long and c...
Jean Paul Gaultier Trompe L'oiel Trench "Suit"
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier's superb mash up of a trompe l'oiel Trench "Suit". No one has created more iterations of "le Trench" than JPG and this ensemble represents all the iconic motifs he...
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Stonewash Blue Jean Denim Vintage Belted 90s Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
Insane 1990s JEAN PAUL GAULTIER light stone wash lightweight belted denim moto jacket! Features a special treated soft denim fabric. JPG embossed brass buttons up the front. Detachab...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER junior stretch floral dress
By Gaultier Junior, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Austin, TX
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER junior stretch floral dress 30" bust, 23" waist, 30" hips, 33" length Condition: Very good Size M
Black stretch tulle top with gather and top-stitching Jean-Paul Gaultier Maille
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black stretch tulle top with gather and top-stitching and tulle bow on the side front. SIZE L
Jean Paul Gaultier New Shirt with Drape Sleeves
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous white cotton shirt from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has a shirt collar, mother of pearl buttons up front and long draping cuffs. The princess seaming makes for a great fit. Fa...
Jean Paul Gaultier Double Breasted Belted Pant Suit A/W 1999
By Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black light weight wool with a bit of stretch pant suit from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has an incredible long double breasted jacket with a lapel collar, flap pockets, butto...
Jean Paul Gaultier Cone Bra Bustier Corset Lace Up Bondage Bodycon Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier Cone Bra Bustier Corset Lace Up Bondage Bodycon Dress Size: FR 34 Condition: New with Tags
$1,260Sale Price|55% Off
1996Jean Paul Gaultier Velvet Gown with Large Fabric Beads
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Austin, TX
1996 Jean Paul Gaultier maroon velvet evening gown with long straps and extra large fabric covered beads - 6 1/2" L x 1 1/4" W. 29" bust, 32" waist, ...
$2,100Sale Price|25% Off
1999 Jean Paul Gaultier gown
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Austin, TX
1999 Jean Paul Gaultier gown pleating drop waist condition: Excellent 36" bust, 35" waist, 34" hips, 80" length sz M/ US 8 / IT44
Jean Paul Gaultier Lace up Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning black silk jacket from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has a lapel collar, 3 self covered button front closure plus 2 on each sleeve cuff, and intricate fine silk corded functiona...
Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 88 Pinstripe Tailored Skirt Suit w Lace Eagle Appliqué
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Spring 1988 Jean Paul Gaultier two-piece tailored suit in cream wool with fine vertical pinstripes. Produced under the Japanese licensing line, known for high-quality construction an...
Jean Paul Gaultier Leather Laser Cut Jacket and Skirt Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning skirt and vest, jacket set from Jean Paul Gaultier in fine, soft, supple off white leather. It consist of a vest/top/jacket laser cut in elaborate shapes, patterns and app...
Jean Paul Gaultier Transformable Peplum Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier Transformable Black Faille Moire Peplum Jacket from the 1990's. Gaultier's Haute Couture training is evident in this fitted "Bar" styl...
Jean Paul Gaultier Sweater with Belt 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous rust orange striped wool sweater from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has long sleeves, a standup collar with functional silver buttons closure along it's side and one shoulder and...
$1,440Sale Price|40% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier black one shoulder gown with attached pouch
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Austin, TX
Jean Paul Gaultier black one shoulder gown with attached pouch 100% rayon 31" bust, 26" waist, 25" hips, 66" length Condition: Excellent siz...
Jean Paul Gaultier SS1999 Floral-Print Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Paris, FR
This Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Maille dress is constructed in a fine open-knit mesh in a muted stone ground. The garment is sleeveless, cut in a close-fitting, body-conscious silh...
Jean Paul Gaultier 1999 Manteau Reversible TU Tricolor Suede Runway Maxi Coat OS
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Paul Gaultier coat from the Fall/Winter 1999 collection. Oversized silhouette, reversible with wide multicolored suede bands on one side and rabbit fur on the other, plunging sh...
Jean Paul Gaultier Maille Black and White Knit Sweater Vest
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jean Paul Gaultier, Maille Femme sweater vest. Contrasting textures and patterns in the same monotone black and cream color palette. Silver toned buttons down the side. Excellent con...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Brick-Wall Print Coat Fall/Winter 1997
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage coat featuring a brick‑wall print in shades of terracotta orange and black with graffiti‑style details. JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Fall/Winter 1997 Ready-to-Wear ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Black Fringe & Laser-Cut Skirt, Spring/Summer 2003 IT40
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, DE
An exceptional runway piece from Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 2003 collection, embodying the designer’s signature interplay of structure, movement, and artisanal detail. As see...
Jean Paul Gaultier Crochet Runway Dress, Spring/Summer 2008
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
An extraordinary hand made Jean Paul Gaultier runway dress from the Spring/Summer 2008 collection, seen on the catwalk in Gaultier’s celebrated exploration of artisanal craftsmansh...
Jean Paul Gaultier Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Jean Paul Gaultier. It is semi fitted with a bateau neckline and a gradated draped ruffle wider at the front shoulder then narrowing to the h...
vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER sheer silk bomber jacket with crocheted knit trim
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jean Paul Gaultier Maille silk bomber jacket in shades of grey and black. Made from sheer printed silk with an allover graphic motif, it’s cut with a zip front and narrow ribbed coll...
Jean Paul Gaultier Women's Black Fitted Jumpsuit with Collar
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CACHAN, FR
Jean Paul Gaultier black jumpsuit, fitted fit, stand-up collar, long sleeves and flared legs. Details of visible seams on the front and back. Made in Italy. Very good condition.
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage 1997 Black Tuxedo Suit with Twisted Billowing Sleeves
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage 1990s Black Tuxedo Suit with Dramatic Twisted Billowing Red Fabric Lined Sleeves This is a rar...
Jean Paul Gaultier Long Red Jersey Knit and Chiffon Dress, French Circa 1990
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990 France Long dress in red jersey knit by Jean Paul Gaultier. Wide collar in beige chiffon that can be worn in different ways: like a hood, a wide boat neck revealing should...
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Faux Fur Denim Aviator Bomber Vintage 90s Crop Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Gaultier Jeans
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare vintage 90s JEAN PAUL GAULTIER denim + faux fur aviator style cropped jean jacket ! Tailored bodice with JPG embossed button up the front center. Can be worn multiple ways. In ...
Jean Paul Gaultier rare Denim dress years90/2000 in very good condition
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Iconic and extremely rare long trench coat/denim dress by Jean Paul Gaultier, a cult piece from the Haute Jeanerie line (the French couturier's denim revolution that elevated denim t...