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Jean Paul Gaultier

French, b. 1952

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, the wildly provocative French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier has created transformational clothing designs 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. His playful but exquisitely crafted reimaginings of classic Parisian styles — the striped mariner shirt, the trench coat — soon became recurring themes of Gaultier’s 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, debuting his first couture collection in 1997 and creating costumes for film and stage. He 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 Jean Paul Gaultier clothing and accessories today on 1stDibs.

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Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier
Dealer: Marlene Wetherell Vintage Fashion
Jean Paul Gaultier Velvet and Sequined Wide Leg Pant
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, chocolate brown, velvet, wide leg pant having clusters of abstract patterns of sequins, randomly placed on the pant. Details include, a fly front, belt loops and...
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Early 2000s Italian Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier Wool Crepe Chalk Stripe Pantsuit
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, charcoal grey, wool crepe, chalk stripe pantsuit, having a long fitted jacket with a convertible collar that is mandarin style when closed. There is a an exagger...
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1990s French Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier Taffeta Trench
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, tissue taffeta classic style, double breasted, light beige tone, trench, having a silhouette that narrows.
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Early 2000s Italian Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean-Paul Gaultier Pleated Silk and Satin Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, sheer chiffon and satin combination maxi dress having a sleeveless tee shirt like bodice with a empire waist satin band having a stationary bow. Skirt is a mix o...
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1990s French Jean Paul Gaultier

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Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Femme Black Leather Trench Coat Purple Silk Line
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, DE
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Femme Black Leather Trench Coat with detachable fur details. Dont have the words for this. Most incre...
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1990s Jean Paul Gaultier

1990's Jean Paul Gaultier White Fox Fur Black Puffer Coat Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: 1990's Jean Paul Gaultier FABRIC: No fabric tags- fox fur for sure CONDITION: Good- flawless COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: No size- runs on the smaller side, maybe best for XS/...
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1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Barbwire Print Size 6 Black Vintage 90s Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and rare 1990s JEAN PAUL GAULTIER barbwire novelty print slinky rayon black and taupe dress ! Features abstract print throughout. Hidden zipper up ...
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1990s Italian Jean Paul Gaultier

JPG.Jean's black wool coat by Jean-Paul Gaultier - France Circa 2010
By Jean Paul Gaultier, JPG by Gaultier
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 2010 France Beautiful thick black felted wool coat from JPG Jean's by Gaultier dating from the 2010s. The coat was feminised by Yves Saint Laurent in 1965, then declined by J...
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2010s French Jean Paul Gaultier

  • JPG.Jean's black wool coat by Jean-Paul Gaultier - France Circa 2010
  • JPG.Jean's black wool coat by Jean-Paul Gaultier - France Circa 2010
  • JPG.Jean's black wool coat by Jean-Paul Gaultier - France Circa 2010
  • JPG.Jean's black wool coat by Jean-Paul Gaultier - France Circa 2010
Free Shipping
Size: Noted size 44 but equivalent 40
A Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme two-pieces Wool Suit Circa 2000
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1995/2000 France Wool suit in two-piece set Jean Paul Gaultier Woman. Sleeveless vest with ocher yellow leather trim on the waist. Closes with black claws on the front and a half belt at the waist, black, whose buckle is marked JPG. On the right chest a patch pocket with a black border. Set of patchwork fabrics: brown wool on the front, black fabrics quilted on the sides, and back, brown fabrics finely striped. Carrot pants striped in navy blue and khaki, rolled up over the ankles. Closed by a button, notches to pass a belt. Pocket on the right back. Graphic green claw on black Jean Paul Gaultier...
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1990s French Jean Paul Gaultier

  • A Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme two-pieces Wool Suit Circa 2000
  • A Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme two-pieces Wool Suit Circa 2000
  • A Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme two-pieces Wool Suit Circa 2000
  • A Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme two-pieces Wool Suit Circa 2000
Free Shipping
Size: Equivalent french size 36
A Jean Paul Gaultier Zipped Jacket for Gibo Circa 2010
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 2010 France A Jean Paul Gaultier zipped jacket, as new, for Gibo from the 2010s. Very fine and very tight wool and silk gabardine with grisaille patterns in rainbow in the sha...
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2010s French Jean Paul Gaultier

  •  A Jean Paul Gaultier Zipped Jacket for Gibo Circa 2010
  •  A Jean Paul Gaultier Zipped Jacket for Gibo Circa 2010
  •  A Jean Paul Gaultier Zipped Jacket for Gibo Circa 2010
  •  A Jean Paul Gaultier Zipped Jacket for Gibo Circa 2010
Free Shipping
Size: Equivalent French Size 38
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Size 8 Black Polyester Silk Long Trench Coat
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Francisco, CA
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER coat comes in a black polyester / silk featuring a large lapel, slit pockets, belted sleeve details, hooded, and a double breasted closure. Missing Belt. Made in I...
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21st Century and Contemporary Jean Paul Gaultier

SS 2004 Jean-Paul Gaultier Silk Bomber
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Prague, CZ
As seen on the runway, this stunning silk-cotton blend Bomber is in size FR 36, US 6. Measurements (flat, on one side): - Shoulder to shoulder - 50 cm (19,5 in) - Pit to pit - 61 ...
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Early 2000s Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier Long Silk Satin Trousers w Roses
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful long trousers in silk satin designed by Jean Paul Gaultier in the 90s, made in France. ORIGINAL LABEL. The trousers are made entirely of silk s...
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1990s French Jean Paul Gaultier

2000's Jean Paul Gaultier Sheer Black Silk Chinoiserie Dress Poncho
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: 2000's Jean Paul Gaultier CONDITION: Fair- has pulls/runs in fabric, please see photos. FABRIC: Silk COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: 42- fits like One Size MEASUREMENTS; provide...
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1990s Italian Jean Paul Gaultier

Black wool trench coat Jean-Paul Gaultier
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool trench coat . Pocket, raglan, snap. SIZE M/L
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1990s Italian Jean Paul Gaultier

1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Gown with Open Back Balloon Sleeves Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Austin, TX
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique black evening gown with stretch. With separate open back jacket with balloon sleeves. condition: excellent Silk & Acetate size m / US 6 33" bust, 25" w...
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1990s Unknown Jean Paul Gaultier

Previously Available Items
Jean Paul Gaultier Pinstrip Double Breasted Fitted Blazer
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, charcoal grey, wool, double breasted, stripe, menswear style, blazer having a fitted silhouette, flap pockets, lined in buckram allowing for a sculpted look at t...
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Early 2000s Italian Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier Brocade Belted Kimono Inspired Coat
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, red and gold brocade belted kimono style coat/robe having a shawl collar, deep patch pockets, and extra long sleeves that can be anchored to the shoulder with a metal like detail. Belt buckle is oversized having a bronze tone patina. This piece resembles a man’s dressing gown.
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Early 2000s Italian Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gautier Sequined Fair Isle Tee
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, short sleeve, tee shirt / top encrusted with multi tone sequins on an ivory chiffon ground, depicting a fair isle inspired pattern.
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1990s Italian Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier Velvet Painterly Pattern Belted Kimono
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, multi tone, printed velvet, belted, kimono/dress/robe. The colorful, painterly-like pattern is on a dark background, subtly depicting "belle epoque" carberet or circus figures...
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Jean Paul Gaultier Embroidered Trench
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, olive tone, cotton, belted trench, having raised embroidery detail. Back is fitted having box pleating at the waist to hem.
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Early 2000s French Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier Sequined Fair Isle Pattern Cardigan
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, fair Isle, inspired pattern, cardigan totally encrusted in multi tone sequins on an ivory ground. Hidden front snap closures.
Category

1990s French Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier Sequined Cardigan Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul, Gaultier, cardigan set, having an open cardigan and matching camisole. Both pieces are encrusted with ivory tone sequins over black tulle. A multi tone, sequined floral p...
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1990s Italian Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier Belted Oversize Coat
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, burgundy, wool, oversize coat having wide lapels, large flap pockets and a matching belt with double buckle details.
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1980s Italian Jean Paul Gaultier

Gaultier Double Breasted Coat
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, black wool double breasted Pea Coat having a heavy embroidered open work "sailor" collar. The back of the collar has "Gaultier", embroidered in the open work.
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1990s French Jean Paul Gaultier

Gaultier Corseted Jacket with Skull Motif
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, navy, cotton, corseted jacket, embellished with a tiny ivory skull motif. jacket has a small pointed collar, fitted bodice ,with ...
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1980s Italian Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier Patterend Mesh Tiered Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier, multi toned, patterned, sun dress, having tiers at the hem with an empire waist, halter neck that criss crosses and ties in the back. Fabric is a knit, stretch me...
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Early 2000s French Jean Paul Gaultier

Gautier Red and Cream Crepe Pyjama
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean -Paul Gautier, cream and and red heavy crepe top and pant pyjama ensemble. Top is a short sleeved man's shirt style; pant is drapey with a draw string waist.
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1980s French Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier fashion for sale on 1stDibs

1stDibs offers an extraordinary range of authentic Jean Paul Gaultier fashion. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red, purple, blue and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers interested in this designer might also find the work of Christian Louboutin, Moschino and Azzedine Alaïa appealing.. Find Jean Paul Gaultier fashion from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs, vintage and haute couture. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $45 and tops out at $24,275 while the average work can sell for $863.
Questions About Jean Paul Gaultier
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Cannot find an answer
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To assess the authenticity of a Jean Paul Gaultier, look for the black tag that features the logo stitched in a typewriter font. If you are buying a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier item, be sure you are buying from a reputable source. Save the stress and shop a collection of properly vetted vintage and new Jean Paul Gaultier designs from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    If you want to properly pronounce Jean Paul Gaultier, it should sound like ”zhaan-paal-gaal-tee-ay”. Gaultier himself originates from a suburb of Paris, France. You can shop iconic vintage and contemporary Jean Paul Gaultier fashions from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Jean Paul Gaultier was born on April 24, 1952 in a suburb of Paris. He is known as the ‘enfant-terrible’ of the fashion world, whose designs celebrated androgyny. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Jean Paul Gaultier pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Jean-Paul Riopelle did Abstract Expressionist artwork, producing both paintings and sculptures over the course of his career. Some of his most famous pieces include Pavane, Forestine, Landing and Perspectives. On 1stDibs, you can shop a selection of Jean-Paul Riopelle art.

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