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.
Rare Hans Hopfer 'Super Lounge' Sofa for Roche Bobois - France 1970s
By Hans Hopfer, Jean Paul Gaultier, Roche Bobois
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Very rare “Super Lounge” sectional sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. This model is very similar to the Mah Jong sectional sofa by Hans Hopfer but much rarer. A Sculptural Icon o...
Fabric, Velvet, Foam, Bentwood
$2,385Sale Price|35% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Wire Dress Form Mannequin
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic and collectible wirework dress form mannequin by legendary French designer Jean Paul Gaultier, created in the 1990s. This sculptural piece exemplifies Gaultier’s bold, avan...
Steel
Rare Jean-Paul Gaultier Champagne Cooler for Piper-Heidseick
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in North Miami, FL
Rare Jean-Paul Gaultier Champagne Cooler for Piper-Heidseick; made of acrylic.
Acrylic
Roche Bobois Cream Leather Sectional Sofa
By Roche Bobois
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the epitome of luxury and style - the Sectional Sofa by Roche Bobois. This stunning piece features a sleek and modern design, perfect for any contemporary living space. C...
Leather
Champagne or Wine Cooler Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Champagne or wine cooler decorated with heavy red deer antlers.
Antler
Late 19th Century Dress Form Mannequin
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Shapely dress form mannequin from the 19th century. In good working order, on castor wheels. Has minor water stains, no tears or damage to the fig...
Iron
Mah Jong by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois 1st Edition Sofa
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and iconic 1st edition circa 1971 Mah Jong modular sectional sofa consisting of ten element pillows. The sofa was designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in this avant-garde de...
Fabric, Foam
$10,804 / set
H 23.63 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
Voyage Immobile Modular Sofa by Studio Roche Bobois for Roche Bobois x Kenzo
By Roche Bobois, Kenzo Takada
Located in Conversano, IT
Extraordinary modular sofa from the "Voyage Immobile" collection, designed by Studio Roche Bobois in the 1990s - an iconic piece of contemporary design...
Fabric
$14,406
H 35.44 in W 106.3 in D 35.44 in
Hans Hopfer 'Dromadaire' Sectional Sofa in beige mohair velvet, Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in amstelveen, NL
Hans Hopfer 'Dromadaire' Sectional Sofa in Mohair wool, Roche Bobois, 1970 Sectional sofa designed by Hans Hopfer and manufactured by Roche Bobois in France circa 1970. A very rare ...
Mohair, Velvet
Antique Children's Mannequin
Located in London, GB
A rare antique child mannequin, circa 1880, French. Losses to the outer fabric consistent with age and a dent to the metal top. The boots are cast iron so there mannequin ...
Iron
$1,505
H 8.25 in W 9.75 in D 7.5 in
Luc Lanel for Christofle, Champagne Bucket / Wine Cooler, Vulcan C.1940
By Christofle, Luc Lanel
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome and highly sought-after Champagne bucket designed by Luc Lanel for Chrsitofle, Paris. This "Vulcan" design was created by Luc Lanel for the transatlantic liner "Ile-de-...
Silver Plate
$1,643
H 8.25 in W 10.5 in D 7.63 in
Rare Christofle Gallia Art Deco Wine Cooler / Champagne Bucket by Luc Lanel
By Luc Lanel, Christofle
Located in Bath, GB
A scarce find in this design, this fabulous and stylish silver plated wine or champagne cooler is by the top-notch French silversmith, Christofle, part of the Gallia collection. T...
Silver Plate
$17,791Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 14.18 in W 112.21 in D 74.81 in
Mah Jong Roche Bobois 11-element sofa by H. Hopfer fabrics Missoni
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
Located in Milano, MI
gorgeous Mah Jong model modular seating set from Roche Bobois. This set produced in the early 2000s comes from prestigious residence and has never been used. the fabrics used are of ...
Cotton, Satin, Velvet
$28,400 / set
H 7.49 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Le Mah Jong Modular Sofa Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois Missoni Silk Velvet, Corduroy
By Missoni, Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mah Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois and in a current customized mix of textiles from Sonia Rykiel and the house of Missoni. Features multiple cushions that can be arranged in endless number of ways Mix and match and stack (or don’t) at your leisure! This set includes four square cushions (paprika, orchid, crimson and stripes) as well as two adjustable height straight backs (purple corduroy and floral). Also included are a set of 5 Missoni cushions...
Silk, Velvet
$5,494 / set
H 21.66 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
21stC "Mah Jong" Sectional Sofa By Hans Hopfer For Roche Bobois, France c.2000
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Elevate a living space with this stunning designer “Mah Jong” modular sofa suite by Roche Bobois. The set consists of two seat cushions, and two backrests. The layout of the sofa mak...
Fabric
Roche Bobois Profile Sofa by Jean Paul Gaultier
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Maurizio Manzoni
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Profile Sofa, a beautiful collaboration between renowned designer Jean Paul Gaulthier and luxury furniture brand Roche Bobois. This sleek and modern sofa features a u...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 20.87 in W 38.19 in D 38.19 in
Jean Paul Gaultier Edition 'Mah Jong' Sofa by Roche Bobois / Hans Hopfer, France
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Very rare Jean Paul Gaultier edition Mah Jong sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois. Jean Paul Gaultier specially designed the fabrics for the Roche Bobois 'Mah Jong' sofa. The Gault...
Fabric, Foam
Sold
H 13.78 in W 38.19 in D 38.19 in
1st Edition 'Mah Jong' Sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, France
By Hans Hopfer, Jean Paul Gaultier, Roche Bobois
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing the 1st Edition 'Mah Jong' sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois — a timeless masterpiece of modern design and luxurious comfort. The fabric is still strong but the Mohair...
Fabric, Mohair, Foam
Sold
H 13.78 in W 5.12 in D 4.14 in
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Glass Display Bottle – Large Retail Perfume Bottle
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Glass Display Bottle – Large Retail Perfume Bottle This large vintage glass retail shop display bottle of Jean Paul Gaulti...
Metal
Sold
H 27.75 in W 40 in D 40 in
'Mah Jong' Living Room Set by Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois, Signed
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This large 22-piece living room set designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, is called the "Mah Jong" sectional sofa with fabric and leather selections by Jean Paul Gaultier. Signed with Roche Bobois / Jean Paul Gaultier labels and repeat fabric. Included in this set are twenty two (22) pieces in total which include 12 square seat cushions (which also function as large ottomans and can be stacked), 4 straight backs, 2 corner backs, and 4 throw pillows. Unique to this set, which is quite rare, of the twenty two total pieces, two are light blue leather cushions with two light blue leather seat backs. The best part of this set is that you can mix and match the cushions and seat backs to make any style arrangement you wish, and create a customized room which you can change as frequently as your heart desires... you can create small and large sofas, loveseats, lounge chairs and ottomans using the cushions and seat backs. We also have other large Mah Jong sets available which can be combined with this set, if desired. Contact us for more details. Ideal for all kinds of uses... consider this set for a large screening room, den or living room, bedroom seating, entertainment room, commercial uses such as a hotel or boutique lounge, you can even spread the pieces around the house and put some in a large walk-in closet / dressing room, kids room, classroom or training room, and for those limited on space in an apartment - you can stack the cushions and then spread them out when you have company. A great way to make the most of space by keeping versatile with this Roche Bobois Mah Jong seating system. Originally designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer the 'Mah Jong' seating system is as iconic today as it was then. Here is what Roche Bobois has to say about this design and the designer: Painter, sculptor, designer... Hans Hopfer designed sofas that are, for many, the indisputable “signature” of Roche Bobois’ collections. In the 1970s, Hopfer’s innovative and informal approach to comfort had a profound influence on the way people furnished and arranged their living space. In 1971, he created the Mah Jong, a sofa based on the total freedom of function and form. Starting with three basic elements that can be combined or stacked, the Mah Jong allows limitless options of composition. It can be an armchair, sofa, lounge chair or bed; a space in which to rest, to play or to lounge. It encourages experimentation and breaks the rules of formal living, reflecting the nonconformist era in which it was born. Avant-garde when first created, iconic today, and “dressed” by Missoni Home, Kenzo Takada and Jean Paul Gaultier, this “free form” modular seating is the reference point for fully modular and creative design. This large Mah Jong sectional sofa system by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois would work great in a Post-Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Mod, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Contemporary or Zen / Minimalism room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Hollywood Regency, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. Use this set to create sofa sections, settee sections, easy chair sections, ottomans and chaises, even a large daybed or room sized night-bed using...
Fabric, Leather
Large Roche Bobois Jean Paul Gaultier Kilt Plaid Ottoman
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Roche Bobois
Located in Forney, TX
Add elegant rustic warmth, classic comfort, and unfussy sophistication to any space with this contemporary round ottoman, attributed to fine quality luxury furniture producer Roche B...
Fabric, Upholstery, Hardwood
Sold
H 20.75 in W 39 in D 25 in
Vintage Contemporary Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois Mahjong Sectional Sofa
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Roche Bobois
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An incredible vintage Italian Contemporary sectional sofa. The legendary Mahjong sofa by Roche Bobois. An limited edition collaboration with Jean Paul Ga...
Cotton, Velvet
Sold
H 20.9 in W 37.4 in D 37.4 in
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Modular Sectional Sofa with Jean Paul Gaultier Fabric
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Miami, FL
Roche Bobois Mah-Jong modular mid-century sofa set designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971. This edition features 19 elements of the iconic 2010 John Paul Gaultier ...
Canvas, Velvet
Sold
H 17 in W 88 in D 33 in
Jean Paul Gautier Red Tartan Velvet Roche Bobois Profile Lounge Chair, Chaise
By Roche Bobois, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jean Paul Gautier red tartan velvet Roche Bobois profile lounge chair, chaise. Profile is a timeless model designed by Roberto Tapinassi & Maurizi...
Textile
Sold
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 0.4 in
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Pantsuit Rayon Fiber Wool Paris France, 1990
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful Jean Paul Gaultier women's pantsuit in excellent condition, midnight blue, an Italian size 40. (jacket measurements: lenght: 81cm, chest 45cm, waist 72cm, shoulder to sh...
Wool
Sold
H 14.18 in W 11.23 in D 1.58 in
Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier, Signed with a Drawing First Edition, 2011
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CA, CA
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier From the sidewalk to the catwalk Montreal Museum of Fine Arts/Abrams New York 2011. Hardback first edition. Signed with original drawing...
Paper
Sold
H 7.49 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Le Mah Jong Modular Sofa Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois Jean Paul Gaultier Silk Velvet
By Roche Bobois, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hans Hopfer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mah Jong modular sofa set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois and in a current customized mix of textiles from the house of Missoni as well as John Paul Gaultier. Featu...
Silk, Velvet