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 Maille Classique Y2K Mesh Grape Leaf Print Tank Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique label Y2K era printed mesh maxi dress. This maxi is composed of the signature Fuzzi stretch mesh fabric...
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...
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...
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...
Gaultier SS 1994 'Les Tatouages' Mesh Tattoo Maxi Dress and Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil, Jean Paul Gaultier
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...
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 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...
$550Sale Price|75% Off
1987 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER polka dot culotte and jacket top
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Gaultier Junior
Located in Austin, TX
1987 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER junior polka dot culotte and top off shoulder top, ties at top low waist culottes, ties at hems viscose Made in Italy Condition: very good, missing snap on to...
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 Maille Femme S/S 2001 Floral Mesh Lace-Up Top Size M
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare early 2000s Jean Paul Gaultier Maille Femme mesh top from the celebrated Spring/Summer 2001 collection. Crafted in Italy from the label’s signature ultra-light stretch polyamide...
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 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 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 Double Breasted Belted Pant Suit A/W 1999
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique
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...
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...
90s Jean Paul Gaultier Maille Red and Cream Stripe Multi-Strap Knit 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...
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 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...
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 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 Runway dress Summer 2006 new with tag
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...
"Japanese Tourists at the Louvre" dress by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Summer 1999
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER - "Japanese Tourists at the Louvre" Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 1999 Collection, under the artistic direction of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Long floral print knit dress....
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
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 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 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. ...
Vintage Jean Paul GAULTIER by ALAIN MIKLI 3-Arm Tortoiseshell Sunglasses
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Jean Paul GAULTIER by ALAIN MIKLI 3-Arm Tortoiseshell Sunglasses Features: - 100% Authentic JEAN PAUL GAULTIER in collaboration with ALAIN MIKLI. - Tortoiseshell acetate su...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Brown Safari Tunic Shirt, Spring/Summer 2004, US 6
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Femme vintage brown safari-inspired tunic shirt. Jean Paul Gaultier - Ready-to-Wear - Spring / Summer 2004. This tunic shirt features : - Lightweight brown fabri...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Maille F/W 1999 Hoops Knit Dress L
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, BE
Jean Paul Gaultier Maille 1999 Hoops Tube Knit Dress Brand: Jean Paul Gaultier Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Collection / Year: 1999 Material: Wool with foam structure Color: Black S...
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 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 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 F/W 1992 Red Convertible Coat Jumpsuit with Photograph Lining
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredibly rare unlabeled Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 1992/1993 "Les Fous de la Photographie" unisex convertible trench coat jumpsuit. As if the 2-in-1 factor wasn't enough, the s...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER MAILLE FEMME — Tiered Lace Ruffle Midi Dress S/S 2002
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
Quintessential Gaultier provocation rendered in the most romantic of materials. This sleeveless midi dress layers row upon row of gathered burgundy lace ruffles over a nude mesh bas...
Jean Paul Gaultier Dress With Grommets
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great white cotton dress with some stretch from Jean Paul Gaultier. The bodice has straps crossing front and back and the straight skirt has hip pockets. There are grommets of vary...
S/S2001 Jean Paul Gaultier strapless constellation silk evening dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, Lombardia
S/S2001 Jean Paul Gaultier strapless constellation silk evening dress Rare mainline Spring/Summer 2001 Jean Paul Gaultier silk evening dress featuring the iconic constellation-inspi...
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 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 2022 Cyber Reissue of F/W 1995 Shearling Corset Bustier Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier 2022 Cyber Reissue of F/W 1995 Shearling Corset Bustier Top Size: IT 40 Condition: New with Tags
Jean Paul Gaultier Maille Femme Mesh T-Shirt With Hand Knit Trim Size Medium
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The popularity of vintage Gaultier mesh items is through the roof. The influence and style of the Kardashian and Jenner sisters have made these so desirable they are nearly impossible to come by. This high-end T-shirt was done for the Maille Femme collection...
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 Maille Femme Spring Summer 2001 Striped Graffiti Mesh Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
A remarkable piece of fashion self-portraiture from Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 2001 collection, this spaghetti-strap mesh dress carries the year “2001” and the designer’s sig...
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 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...
$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
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 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 Bustier corset laçage
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CACHAN, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. Beautiful bustier with lacing at the back, corset style. In very good condition. Size 40 FR. 44 iT, 10US, 12UK.
$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 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...
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...
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 ...
2000 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER CLASSIQUE khaki parachute RUNWAY dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2000 runway dress has a utilitarian, almost parachute-like feel. It’s made in an olive drab fabric. The neckline is gathered and held up by halter-sty...
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2005 Abstract Salvador Dali Print Wrap Crop Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2005 Abstract Salvador Dali Print Wrap Crop Top Size M
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Steampunk Silver Tone Oval Sunglasses
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Steampunk Silver Tone Oval Sunglasses Features: - 100% Authentic JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. - Steampunk sunglasses with matte silver tone frame. - Engraved GAUL...
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 Vintage S/S 1996 Cyberbaba Zebra Sheer Mesh Illusion Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Iconic vintage Jean Paul Gaultier sheer mesh illusion top from the Spring/Summer 1996 Cyberbaba collection. Defined by its hypnotic trompe l’oeil print, the design contours the body ...
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...