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 Junior Spring 1989 Leopard Print Lace Up Back Denim Dress
By Gaultier Junior, Jean Paul Gaultier
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...
Jeans Paul Gaultier New Black Cotton Shirt with Angel Sleeves
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black cotton shirt from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has a shirt collar, matching black mother of pearl buttons up front and long draping sleeves. The princess seaming makes fo...
Jean Paul Gaultier Y2K Cream Pinstriped Button Up 'Office Siren' Blouse
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jean Paul Gaultier Femme early 2000's ruched pinstripe cream button down. Calling all office sirens! We know she's going to get snagged up in a flash. Circa 2002-2004. The elastic e...
Jean Paul Gaultier maxi dress in perfect condition
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Iconic maxi dress by Jean Paul Gaultier, made of technical stretch fabric with refined multicolor check pattern. Slim-fitting silhouette with long sleeves and a crew neckline, typica...
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 Sac Pochette Trou Dark Brown Leat See Through Clutch Bag
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Paul Gaultier SS2000 collection "bracelet" clutch bag in smooth brown leather, long, adorned with a large hole in the center, full-height flap closed with two magnetic snaps, ma...
Jean Paul Gaultier SS88 Pinstripe Tailored Skirt Suit with 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 1990s Vintage Pleated Back Long Orange/Red Skirt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier long skirt from the 1990s in a rich red/orange tone. It has a straight, relaxed shape with soft pleating at the back that adds movement and comfort. The fa...
Jean Paul Gaultier Runway Summer 2006 Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Jean Paul Gaultier Summer 2006 fashion show dress new with tag. Lace bodice cinched at the waist that widens with a wide skirt that echoes the details of the top. Side zipper closur...
Jean Paul Gaultier Mesh Floral Print Pants circa 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These Jean Paul Gaultier Mesh Floral Print Pants from the 1990s showcase the legendary designer’s daring and innovative aesthetic. Crafted from a semi-sheer mesh fabric, the pants fe...
1990's JEAN PAUL GAULTIER black semi-sheer wrap maxi skirt with leather belt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This semi-sheer wrap maxi skirt designed by Jean Paul Gaultier is a 1990s piece from the Jean Paul Gaultier Classique label. It has a beautiful, flowy drape and an easy, relaxed fit....
Jean Paul Gaultier x Wolford Lingerie Bodysuit, 1999s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and highly collectible Jean Paul Gaultier x Wolford bodysuit. This collaboration came out in 1999 and has been coveted ever since. Wolford's infamous sophisticated hosiery tec...
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...
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 Deconstructed Patchwork Mesh Top, Late 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, DE
An original late-1990s Jean Paul Gaultier mesh top exemplifying the designer’s iconic exploration of the body, transparency, and deconstructed form. Crafted in Italy from fine stretc...
Jean Paul Gaultier Bondage Skirt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous wool jersey skirt from Jean Paul Gaultier in khaki grey with fine subtle rust stripes. It is mid rise pencil style with a waist band, and radiating straps front and back m...
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 Tropical Print Midi Skirt With Sheer Silk Hem circa 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Jean Paul Gaultier Tropical Print Midi Skirt with Sheer Silk Hem from the circa 1990s is a bold and vibrant piece that captures the essence of Gaultier’s innovative and...
Archival Jean Paul Gaultier Chrome & Canvas Jacquard Waist Belt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Sheffield, GB
Archival vintage Jean Paul Gaultier belt. (Circa 1990-2000) In Black jacquard nylon. Featuring a fully adjustable JPG signature steel buckle fasten closure, and black leather tipped ...
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 Floral Print Cropped Kimono & Maxi Dress Set circa 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Jean Paul Gaultier Floral Print Cropped Kimono & Maxi Dress Set from the circa 1990s embodies the bold, avant-garde spirit of the era with a sophisticated twist. Th...
New Jean Paul Gaultier Femme Blue Trench Coat Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jean Paul Gaultier Femme blue maxi dress with trench coat detailing. Thin straps can be unsnapped at back to create a criss-cross or halter style. Bu...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER 90's Iconic lace crop shawl
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, MILANO
Iconic 90's lace crop shawl by Jean Paul Gaultier Open on the back 100% cotton
Jean Paul Gaultier Graphic Mesh Dress, c. Early 2000s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Marlborough, GB
Jean Paul Gaultier diffusion line JPG Jean’s maxi dress, circa early 2000s Very good vintage condition Size: Small
$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, ...
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 Strap Back Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous cobalt blue fine knit top from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has short sleeves with a small V neckline, front draping and fabulous black straps under the semi sheer V back matchi...
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
Gaultier Lace up Denim Jean Jacket
By Junior Gaultier, Jean Paul 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 ...
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 Leather Trim Silk Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk velvet dress from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has incredible topstitched leather trim around top of the dress and neck creating tear drop shaped cut outs in the fro...
Jean Paul Gaultier 1980s Cage Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous brown 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 copper metal sn...
Jean Paul Gaultier 1990s vintage metal chain lace-up black draped jersey dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Jean Paul Gaultier 1990s Vintage Draped Jersey Dress Iconic 1990s Jean Paul Gaultier black draped jersey dress, featuring a deep V neckline with signature lace-up detailing, finished...
Black asymmetrical draped satin skirt JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black asymmetrical draped satin skirt with split on both side. Zip closure on the right side + hook&eye. Gros grain inside the waist. SIZE 44 (It) 40 (Fr)
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...
Rare 1990s Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier " Tarzan & Jane " Leopard Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
Super rare, "Tarzan and Jane" leopard print dress, Amazing attention to detail. Can be worn with straps, or strapless. In great condition. Made in Italy. Marked size small, but can f...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER 00's Iconic Long Sleeve Printed Mesh Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, MILANO
00's iconic long sleeve printed mesh top by Jean Paul Gaultier. The composition is 100% nylon.
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...
Jean Paul Gaultier Leopard-Print Lace Label Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Dallas, TX
Jean Paul Gaultier Leopard-Print Lace Label Mesh Maxi Dress A collector's dream and a runway statement, this sheer mesh maxi dress by Jean Paul Gaultier features the iconic leopard-...
Jean Paul Gaultier Dress with Cut outs
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous rich brown silk jersey dress from Jean Paul Gaultier. It is sleeveless with a bateau neckline and X shaped mesh covered cut outs at each side of the waist plus a strip ar...
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 Vintage 1997 Black Tuxedo Suit with Twisted Billowing Sleeves
By Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, Jean Paul Gaultier
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...
1999 Jean Paul Gaultier Venus de Milo mesh t-shirt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1999 Jean Paul Gaultier Venus de Milo mesh t-shirt This 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier mesh t-shirt features the iconic Venus de Milo print, one of the designer’s most celebrated graphic m...
S/S 2002 Sheer Spiral Ruching Cut Out Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking Jean Paul Gaultier dress exemplifies the designer’s signature fusion of eroticism, architectural construction, and technical finesse. Crafted in a lightweight sheer bla...
2014 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER charcoal grey wool runway suit with belt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Charcoal wool suit from Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fall 2014 runway. The jacket is cut close through the shoulders and waist, shaped by a black attached wraparound belt that subtly pulls t...
FW 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier Micro Mesh Ensemble Matching Top & Skirt Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb, F/W 1999 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER 'Hiva Oa' 2 piece set in a print inspired by the French Polynesian 'Marquesa Islands' in a Burgundy colour palette, seen first referenced by Gault...
Gaultier FEMME Silk Dress with Ruched Front Braid
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If CatWoman needed a slinky number to a formal event in the 90s, this would be it. The perfect amount of intriguing and serpentine. Something about this dress, maybe the gorgeous fro...
Jean Paul Gaultier Spring Summer 2007 Ruffle Cap Sleeves Black Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier jacket from the Spring/Summer 2007 collection. Made from ultra-light black wool suiting fabric with an open grid perforated pattern that feels airy and bre...
Jean Paul Gaultier Ruffles Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Geneva, CH
2007 was the year Jean Paul Gaultier celebrated 30 years of fashion. His Spring-Summer ready-to-wear fashion show opened with an euphoric retrospective of the most iconic designs he ...
Frilly 1990's Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Sheer Black Mesh fishtail Maxi Skirt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Sheffield, GB
Beautiful 1990's Jean Paul Gaultier Mesh Maxi skirt constructed from a Super stretchy sheer black material with fish tail frilled hem for a li...
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
SS96 JPG Jeans 2-Piece Jersey Knit Cyberbaba Print Top & Pant Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Jean Paul Gaultier JPG Jeans two-piece jersey knit top and pant set from the Spring/Summer 1996 “Cyberbaba” collection. Features the brand’s iconic tribal/tattoo print. Short-sleeve ...
Printed and pleated see-through silk chiffon shirt JEAN -PAUL GAULTIER
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed and pleated see-through silk chiffon shirt . Laces closure on the front , ended up with tassels. Snap closure on the cuffs. Sunray pleated sleeves. SIZE 42 (It) 38 (Fr) but...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Print Mesh Sleeveless Turtleneck Top circa 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Print Mesh Sleeveless Turtleneck Top from the circa 1990s is a striking piece that embodies the bold, avant-garde spirit of the designer. Crafted from...
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 Black jumpsuit
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.
Multicolor Jean Paul Gaultier Comic Book Print Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Multicolor comic book print long sleeve top by Jean Paul Gaultier. Scoop neckline. Zip closure at center front. 31.5" bust, 15.75" shoulder width, 17.25" length.
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 1998 Frida Kahlo Sheer Mesh Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Wembley, GB
Interdite Vintage presents a Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 1998 Frida Kalo Sheer Mesh Top • Jean-Paul Gaultier • Featuring a Hindu bath scene, from the Frida Kahlo inspired ‘Les Tatouage’...
Jean Paul Gaultier Black Nylon Bomber Jacket / Mini Dress with Fur Hood, FW 2004
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Jean Paul Gaultier ▪ Creative Director: Jean Paul Gaultier ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2004 ▪ Fabric: Nylon ▪ Size: IT40 - FR36 - UK8 - US6 ▪ Made in: Italy ▪ Condition: Excel...