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 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 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 New Hourglass Jacket 1980s
By Junior Gaultier, Jean Paul 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 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...
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
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 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...
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 Femme 1998 “Antique Print” Mesh Hooded Top Size S
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare archival Jean Paul Gaultier Femme mesh top from the late 1990s featuring the iconic “Antique Print” motif, one of Gaultier’s most collectible art-history inspired series. Produc...
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 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...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Stripe Boob Novelty One Shoulder Bodysuit Swimsuit
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Stripe Boob Novelty One Shoulder Bodysuit Swimsuit Features: - 100% Authentic JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. - One shoulder ...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER New conical corset bustier. Never worn.
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CACHAN, FR
Beautiful corset bustier with conical shape. Similar model Worn by Madonna. Rare and sought after. New never worn. Vintage. Collectible. Size 6US 8 UK 36FR. Magnifique bustier cor...
Transparent mesh top is an iconic vintage piece by Jean Paul Gaultier.
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CACHAN, FR
This transparent mesh top is an iconic vintage piece by Jean Paul Gaultier. It is part of the Fall-Winter 1997 collection, often associated with the theme "Fight Racism" or "Faces"....
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Japanese Print Mesh Top Size S
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage sheer mesh nylon top featuring a colorful Japanese print embellished with sequins and flocked ideograms/symbols. Label reads JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Maille Mad...
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...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Cotton Top Size S
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER long sleeve cotton top featuring multicolored patches and retro-inspired portraits. Label reads JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Maille Made in Italy. Size tag reads : S. Plea...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Oriental Tattoo Sheer Mesh Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage oriental sheer mesh tattoo top featuring black angora knitted collar, cuffs and seams. Missing brand label. Printed JEAN PA...
Spring Summer 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier Venus de Milo Goddess Mesh Top - Baby Tee
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Sheffield, GB
Spring / Summer 1999 'Jean Paul Gaultier' mesh 'Venus de Milo' Sculpture Top constructed from a stretchy Maroon micro-mesh material with Overlocked edge detail and iconic print on bo...
Jean Paul Gaultier Cathedral Print Wool Sleeveless Turtleneck Top circa 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Jean Paul Gaultier Cathedral Print Wool Sleeveless Turtleneck Top from the circa 1990s is a striking example of Gaultier’s bold and innovative design aesthetic. Crafted from high-qua...
Black jersey shirt with charms by Jean-Paul Gaultier Homme - France Circa 1995
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1995 France Black semi-transparent stretch acetate jersey shirt by Jean-Paul Gaultier Homme dating from the 1990s. Slim fit, long sleeves with pointed collar, pocket and cuffs ...
Gaultier Femme Fuzzi“Cyber Dots” Stretch Mesh Top, circa Late 1990s–Early 2000s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CACHAN, FR
An iconic Jean Paul Gaultier Maille Femme stretch mesh top produced by Fuzzi, the celebrated Italian textile manufacturer behind many of Gaultier’s most innovative jersey creations. ...
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...
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Hand Painted Rapunzel Print Black Vintage Sheer Shirt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible vintage 90s JEAN PAUL GAULTIER hand painted Rapunzel sheer top! Features a Rapunzel character hand painted in gold on the front. Sheer black and invory floral print sheer ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Maille Vintage Iconic Faces Print Mesh Hooded Top Size S
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Maille Femme vintage iconic sheer mesh hooded top featuring a black and white faces print. This top features : - FUZZI sheer mesh in bla...
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 Vintage Cheetah Print Boned Underbust Corset
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage cheetah print boned underbust corset. Front buttoning. Corset lace-up back fastening. Boned underbust. Unworn condition -...
Black see-through stretch tulle JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER Maille
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black see-through stretch tulle. Tulle composition: 100% nylon size M
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Sheer Mesh Ancient Greek Venus Bust Print Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage iconic sheer mesh top featuring a multicolor Ancient Greek Venus bust print. Label reads JEAN PAUL GAULTIER MAILLE Made in Italy...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Oriental Tattoo Sheer Mesh Hooded Top Size L
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage bordeaux red color sheer mesh hooded top featuring an oriental yellow point pattern print. Cut-out bust. Long sleeves. Label reads JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Mai...
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 Floral Print Semi-Sheer Silk Blouse Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier Floral Print Semi-Sheer Silk Blouse Top IT 40
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier " Trompe l'oeil" F/W 2004 Long-Sleeve Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier 'Trompe l'oeil,' F/W 2004 Long-Sleeve Top. This Long-sleeve top features a printed silhouette of a crinkled top, this style of print is infamous of Gaultie...
Jean Paul Gaultier Gentle Black Wool With Detailed Bell Sleeves Sweater
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier black gentle-knit wool open-tie sweater features detailed edges as well as the slightly flared bell cuffs. The front has two knit ties measuring 24" in leng...
Jean Paul Gaultier Abstract Butterfly Print Mesh Tank Top circa 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Jean Paul Gaultier Abstract Butterfly Print Mesh Tank Top from the circa 1990s is a striking piece that embodies the bold, avant-garde spirit of the era. Crafted from lightweigh...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Printed mesh Hoodie FW 2003
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Genève, CH
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier 1990’s acid pink and black mesh top featuring a classical painting print. Silk-like stretch mesh Contrast black wool bottom and sleeves hem Made in Italy ...
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Women's Purple Tunic Top, Vintage Design
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Port Hope, ON
Simple but elegant Jean Paul Gaultier tunic which can be worn with pants, skirts or over a dress. Jean Paul Gaultier is known for his edgy clothing, but this is a vintage piece which...
Mens 1995 Jean Paul Gaultier Cotton Roll Neck Long Sleeve Tee - Loud Pattern Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Sheffield, GB
Incredible, 1995 Jean Paul Gaultier 'Comic-Strip' Long sleeve roll neck, crafted from a stretchy Cotton- lycra blend in Rich Blue, Yellow, Grey and maroon shades with subtle Orange j...
Navy Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Mesh Long Sleeve Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Navy sheer mesh long sleeve printed top by Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil. Crew neck. 28" bust, 14" shoulder width, 23" length.
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage 1996 Iconic Tribal Tattoo Print Mesh Shirt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage 1996 FUZZI sheer mesh shirt featuring a red tribal tattoo print all-over. Label reads JEAN PAUL GAULTIER MAILLE. Made in Italy. ...
A Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Blouse and Pants Set Spring Summer Collection 2014
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Summer Collection 2014 France Haute Couture set consisting of a blouse in white cotton poplin with puffed sleeves and a trousers in black crepe from the Spring Summer collection 2014 passage n ° 9 Jean Paul Gaultier. Blouse with dramatic amplitude and long puffed sleeves in shape of amphora and iron frame inspired by Gigot sleeves of the nineteenth century. Small collar and tabs in front hiding buttons in mother-of-pearl. Musketeer cuffs to equip a pair of cufflinks. Remarkable work of pleats leaving the collar to accentuate the assembly of Kimono sleeves. Low-rise trousers with straight cut closing by zip and hook. Embroidered label on pink tulle indicating Gaultier Paris. The set is clean, a bit or never worn but requires a dry cleaning to respect the whiteness of the cotton. Need to accessorize the set with a belt as here in the last two photos with a golden belt...
Jean Paul Gaultier Spring Summer 1996 Mesh Tribal Tattoo long sleeve Top T shirt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Sheffield, GB
Spring / Summer 1996 Jean Paul Gaultier 'Tribal Tattoo' mesh long sleeve Top. (as seen on the runway modelled by Linda Evangelista) MADE IN ITALY. Measurement are provided in Inc...
Jean Paul Gaultier Late 1990s Skull Print Mesh Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Paris, FR
Mesh top from Jean Paul Gaultier featuring a dramatic anatomical spine print overlaid with geometric grid patterns. Constructed from lightweight stretch mesh with photographic anatom...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage S/S 1999 Soleil Venus De Milo Mesh Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Spring Summer 1999 mesh top. Features the iconic Soleil Venus De Milo print in orange and blue, long sleeves, high scoop neck in high stretch. In excellent...
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier 1998 Krishna Mesh Print Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier 1998 Krishna print mesh top. Features iconic "Krishna" print , round neckline and short sleeves style . In excellent...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage "SAFE SEX FOR EVER" Tattoo Sheer Mesh Shirt Size L
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER iconic "SAFE SEX FOR EVER" tattoo FUZZI sheer skin coloroured body illusion mesh shirt. Opulent design featuring a dagger piercing a heart with the message "SAFE ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Koi Tattoo Flesh-Coloured Sheer Mesh Top Size XS
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage flesh-coloured sheer mesh top featuring a black flocked Japanese koi tattoo print. Knitted collar and cuffs. Label reads JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Maille Femme...
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2008 Corset Bustier Silk Blouse Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier Corset Bustier Silk Blouse Top IT 42 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @OPULENTADDICT
A/W2001 Jean Paul Gaultier colorblock graphic mesh top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A/W2001 Jean Paul Gaultier colorblock graphic mesh top This A/W2001 Jean Paul Gaultier mesh top features an abstract colorblock graphic composition printed across a semi-sheer stret...
Jean Paul Gaultier Camouflage Print Mesh Floral Embroidered Top circa 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Jean Paul Gaultier Camouflage Print Mesh Floral Embroidered Top from the circa 1990s is a striking piece that embodies the bold and avant-garde spirit of Gaultier’s design aesth...
Jean Paul Gaultier Stretch Racer's Back with Stripe Accent Tank Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier's wonderful stretch Femme Malle Red and Black Racer's back top is detailed with a combination of black, cream, and burgundy stripe borders. the tank top won...
1990's Jean Paul Gaultier Acid Rain Orange Splash print Long sleeve Mesh Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990's Jean Paul Gaultier 'Acid Rain' mesh long sleeved Top in shades of burnt orange and maroon. MADE IN ITALY. Features - Stretchy micro mesh with sheer texture - Archival Prin...
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 Matelot Sheer Mesh Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage black with brick color stripes sheer mesh matelot top with JEAN PAUL GAULTIER cursive signature. Turtle neck collar. Exposed seams. Long sleeves. Label r...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Kilim Print Scarf Collar Mesh Top Size XL
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage scarf collar mesh top featuring a multicolor kilim print. This top features a scarf collar (with attached ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage S/S1991 Cone Bra Bustier Sheer Side Panels Corset Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage S/S 1991 Cone Bra Bustier Sheer Side Panels Corset Top IT 42
Printed see-through chiffon and stretch tulle top Jean-Paul Gaultier Maille
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed chiffon and stretch tulle top. Drawstring ribbon in chiffon around the neckline mix with knit cotton crochet SIZE M