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 transformational clothing designs that draw on numerous influences and boldly merge haute couture with street sensibility. The wildly provocative French designer's 1990s diffusion line Soleil is known for semi-sheer pieces that scream rock-star style.
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. He 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.
Browse a wide range of vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil dresses, tops and other clothing on 1stDibs.
Gaultier SS 1994 'Les Tatouages' Mesh Tattoo Maxi Dress and Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 1994 'Les Tatouages' Mesh Tribal Tattoo Maxi Dress and Bolero-- A standout set from one of Jean Paul Gaultier's most talked about collections. Sexy, edgy, and...
Stretch tulle long sleeve color block tee-shirt JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER Soleil
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long sleeve color block tee-shirt made with 2 lays. SIZE 38/M
Printed nylon jersey tank top JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER Soleil
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed nylon jersey tank top. SIZE 36/ S
Jean Paul Gaultier Mesh Floral Print Pants circa 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
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...
Printed tulle tank top with ruffle and mirror embellishment JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed tulle tank top with ruffle and mirror embellishment . Fabric composition : tulle stretch and rayon. SIZE S
Long stretch tulle skirt with pink flamingo print JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER Soleil
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long stretch tulle skirt with pink flamingo print . Tulle composition: 100% nylon. Elastic waist band SIZE XL on tag but fit M/L
Black long stretch tulle skirt JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER SOLEIL
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black long stretch tulle ( 100% nylon) skirt SIZE M
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tribal Aztec Tattoo Print Bikini Swimwear Swimsuit
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tribal Aztec Tattoo Print Bikini Swimwear Swimsuit IT 42 Condition is like new, no visible signs of wear.
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tribal Mesh Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in GOUVIEUX, FR
Jean Paul Gaultier Mesh Dress featuring drawings and writtings. Rare Tribal Parrot Native Indian detailed print. . Vintage 90s Gaultier . Mesh Sheer halter top midi dress . Can be ...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Burgundy Semi-Sheer Mesh Twist Cutout Tank Top Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Thiensville, WI
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Burgundy Semi-Sheer Mesh Twist Cutout Tank Top Maxi Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Jean Paul Gaultier Collection: Soliel Style: Twist Front Cutout Maxi Dress Color...
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Amour au Soleil Bodycon Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Vintage Amour au Soleil Bodycon Mesh Maxi Dress Size M Excellent Condition Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Amour au Soleil dress featuring body...
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Logo Sheer Mesh Ruched Maxi Evening Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Logo Sheer Mesh Ruched Maxi Evening Dress Size S
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Print Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Print Mesh Maxi Dress Size L
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Sea Life Print Off Shoulder Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Sea Life Print Off Shoulder Mesh Maxi Dress Size M
Vintage 90s Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil maxi dress, tie dye
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in NEWARK, GB
An iconic vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil maxi dress. It is made from a lovely lightweight synthetic chiffon, fully lined skirts a...
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Sea Life Print Off Shoulder Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Sea Life Print Off Shoulder Mesh Maxi Dress Size L
$1,446Sale Price|45% Off
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage 'Koi Tattoo' Mesh Dress Early 2000s
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Genève, CH
Embrace the fusion of art and fashion with this iconic Jean Paul Gaultier mesh dress from the early 2000s. Featuring a captivating koi tattoo print, this dress embodies the designer...
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Sheer Mesh Neoprene Bra Cutout Neon Romper Jumpsuit
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Sheer 2 Ply Mesh Neoprene Bra Cutout Neon Romper Jumpsuit Size S
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S1999 Flamingo Tropical Print Cutout Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Flamingo Tropical Print Cutout Mesh Bodycon Maxi Dress Size S
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S2004 Edgar Degas Ballerina Bikini Swimwear Swimsuit
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2004 Edgar Degas Ballerina Print Bikini Swimwear Swimsuit 2 Piece Set IT 42
Printed nylon jersey tee-shirt JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER SOLEIL
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed nylon jersey tee-shirt . SIZE M
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Logo Bodycon Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Logo Bodycon Mesh Maxi Skirt Dress Size M
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Sea Life Print Bodycon Zipper Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Sea Life Print Bodycon Zipper Mesh Maxi Dress Size L
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Novelty Feather Print Trompe L’oeil 90s Halter Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 90s vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER brightly colored novelty feather print rayon halter dress ! The neckline features what looks to be a feathered necklace. Bright colors of orange, ...
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Dress Soleil from the 1990s Surrealism Cabaret Film
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Dress from the 1990s - Surrealism, Cabaret, Film Archives A true collector's gem from fashion maestro Jean Paul Gaultier! This dress is more than just a g...
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Angel Sleeve Mesh Blouse Abstract Print Italy Size L
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
An exceptional vintage Jean Paul Gaultier blouse, dating to the 1990s and emblematic of the designer’s iconic exploration of body-conscious silhouettes and statement prints. Crafted ...
1900S Jean Paul Gaultier Orange Mesh Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in New York, NY
1900S Jean Paul Gaultier Orange Mesh Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Bodycon African Beads Print Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Bodycon African Beads Print Mesh Maxi Dress Size L
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S1999 Flamingo Tropical Print Cutout Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Flamingo Tropical Print Cutout Mesh Bodycon Maxi Dress Size M
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2002 Vintage “Portraits” Mesh Maxi Dress Kimono
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2002 Vintage “Portraits” Mesh Maxi Dress Kimono Size S
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Abstract Print Semi-Sheer Mesh Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Abstract Print Semi-Sheer Mesh Top Size S
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Flamingo Tropical Bikini Swimsuit 2 Piece Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Flamingo Tropical Print Bikini Swimwear Swimsuit 2 Piece Set IT 44
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2007 Floral Print Mini Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2007 Floral Print Mini Dress Size XS
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2002 Vintage “Portraits” Faces Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2002 Vintage “Portraits” Faces Mesh Maxi Dress Size L As seen on Kylie Jenner previously, purchased from us!
$428Sale Price|20% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Pink Mesh Bodycon
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Miami, FL
Hot hot hot! JPG Soleil mesh dress in hot pink. Long sleeves and falls just before the knee. The tags are still on this dress. It shows a size S. Excellent...
Jean Paul Gaultier JPG Vintage Mesh Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Paris, FR
Condition: very good, with no holes in the mesh. Made in Italy Size: M Material: polyamide Color: blue, brown Dimensions flat: shoulders: 32 cm, under chest: 38 cm, height: 58 cm, s...
$316Sale Price|20% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Orange & White Mesh Gothic Alphabet Print Top L
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil, orange & white mesh gothic script lettering print top marked size Large. Pull on top with long sleeves and scoop neckline. Gothic alphabet print...
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2002 Vintage Portraits Print Bodysuit Swimwear Swimsuit
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2002 Vintage “Portraits” Print Open Back Bodysuit One- Piece Swimwear Swimsuit Size IT 42
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Amour au Soleil Bodycon Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil 1999 Vintage Amour au Soleil Bodycon Mesh Maxi Dress Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Amour au Soleil dress featuring bodycon fit and exposed front zip c...
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tattoo Tribal Cutout Sheer Mesh Tunic Micro Mini Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tattoo Tribal Cutout Sheer Mesh Tunic Micro Mini Dress Size: M Condition: Excellent
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Koi Fish Tattoo Mesh Wrap Dress Scarf Pareo
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Koi Fish Tattoo Print Mesh Wrap Dress Scarf Pareo Please note this pareo is very versatile and can be styled multipl...
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Koi Fish Tattoo Print Mesh Maxi Dress Kimono
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo Print Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress Kimono Size M
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Flamingo Tropical Bikini Swimsuit 2 Piece Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Flamingo Tropical Print Bikini Swimwear Swimsuit 2 Piece Set IT 42
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil c.1996 Op Art Circle Dots Print Cutout Back Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil c.1996 Op Art Circle Dots Print Embellished Cutout Back Semi-Sheer Maxi Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Tropical Flamingo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Tropical Flamingo Semi-Sheer Mesh Bodycon Maxi Dress Please note size tag has been removed. Due to stretchy material this dress will fit size M-L.
Jean Paul Gaultier Ecru Ruffle 2000's V Neck Dress Size Large Tan WhiteSpaghetti
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Miami, FL
- Ecru exterior - No size tag estimated to be a size Large - Made of 100% nylon Condition: The dress is in overall great condition there are small marks on the stain that are ...
Jean Paul Gaultier 90s Bank Note Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Jean Paul Gaultier bank note printed dress, in fabric and mesh. Size XS (wide wearability). Condition: Excellent.
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Faces People Print Hooded Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Faces People Print Hooded Mesh Maxi Dress Size M
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Currency Money Print Backless Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Currency Money Print Backless Maxi Dress Size M New with tags
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Unworn Backless Semi Sheer Mesh Black Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Unworn Backless Semi Sheer Mesh Black Dress Size S
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Cutout Semi-Sheer Mesh Black Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Cutout Semi-Sheer Mesh Black Maxi Dress Size S
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Currency Money Print Midi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Currency Money Print Midi Dress Size S
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Currency Money Print Bodysuit Swimwear Swimsuit
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Currency Money Print Bodysuit One- Piece Swimwear Swimsuit IT 42
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2002 Vintage “Portraits” Mesh Wrap Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2002 Vintage “Portraits” Mesh Wrap Dress Size M Please note this wrap dress is very versatile and can be styled multiple ways based on preference as se...
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Sea Life Print Bodysuit Swimwear Swimsuit
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Sea Life Print Bodysuit Swimwear Swimsuit IT 40 Condition: Excellent Condition, Like New
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2002 Vintage “Portraits” Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2002 Vintage “Portraits” Mesh Maxi Dress Please note size tag has been removed. It will fit size S/M due to its stretchy mesh material.
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2008 Vintage Logo Mesh Bodycon Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Logo Mesh Bodycon Maxi Dress Size M
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Cutout Leather Mesh Bodycon Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Leather and Mesh Cutout Bodycon Dress Size M
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Cutout Open Back Silk Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Cutout Open Back Printed Silk Dress Size M
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Sea World Life Print Top & Pants 2 Piece Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Naples, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Sea World Life Print Top & Pants 2 Piece Set Size S