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 Paris Runway 2013 Cursive Signature Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Jean Paul Gaultier Paris pierced earrings are from the Spring 2013 ready-to-wear runway collection. They feature a silver plate hoop shape with "Jean-Paul Gaultier" cu...
Silver Plate
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER SS 94 Iconic and Rare Bracelet with Rings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, MILANO
Spring Summer 1994 iconic and rare studded bracelet with chains and jewel rings from "Tatouage" Collection by Jean Paul Gaultier. It comes in its original bag.
Jean Paul Gaultier Steampunk Necklace with Resin Cameo Pendant
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Jean Paul Gaultier Paris designed this stunning pendant necklace in the 1990s for his Steampunk collection. The design features a silvered metal chain with a lobster closing clasp. T...
Jean Paul Gaultier Paris 2010 Couture Collection Extra-Wide Bangle Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare, gorgeous Jean Paul Gaultier Paris resin bangle bracelet features an ethnic-inspired design. The ten spacer bands, in translucent light yellow, are linked with metal wire a...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Berber Inspired Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER antiqued silver toned Berber inspired cuff bracelet. Indicative measurements : inner circumference approx. 17.91 cm (7.05 inches) / max. width approx. 9.5 cm. (3....
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Tribal Charm Necklace
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage rare chunky charm necklace featuring thimbles, rings and ethnic inspired enameled charms of various shapes. The links are made of antiqued gold tone wired...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Novelty "Eyes" Print Dangling Clip-On Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Piece Description: A captivating pair of vintage Jean Paul Gaultier earrings, featuring an antiqued silver-toned design with resin-inlaid eye prints, stars, and resin crystals. These...
Jean Paul Gaultier Black Resin and Brass Bee Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stunning Jean Paul Gaultier Paris oversized black resin cuff bracelet with gilded brass bee embellishment. The bee is ornate, featuring black and white opalescent crystal r...
Brass
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Cameo Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage articulated gun patina bracelet featuring six oval cameo links featuring putti faces and women profiles on multic...
Couture GaultierDesigner 2000s SemiPreciousStones Textiles DangleChains Earring
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Chicago, IL
In the early 2000 while French Jean-Paul Gautier remained the designer at his eponymous Parisian fashion house, a Paris-based haute-couture runway-accessory designer was commissioned by him to create this handmade decadent street-culture-inspired wire-hook earring with multiple tumbled semi-precious stones, gilt chain and cord, and multi-color sequins that suggest divergent international cultures. On both the front and back, an explosion of deconstructed couture-textile remnants...
Tiger's Eye, Coral, Quartz, Gilt Metal, Yellow Gold
$1,300 / set
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Dangle Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Vintage black and gold lacquer medallion and face clip-on earrings (samples used for defile) by Jean Paul Gaultier, circa 1990.
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Oxidized Silver Tone Necklace
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage oxidized silver tone necklace Adjustable spring clasp closure. Marked GAULTIER. Material : Oxidized metal hardware / Glass beads / Glass drop. NOTES - ...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Silver Tone Hoop Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage matte silver tone hoop earrings (clip-on). These earrings are silver-tone, but they display a kind of gilded patina in some areas (original ? oxidation ? ...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Jewelled Star and Crescent Moon Dangling Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage antiqued silver tone dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring a star top and a crescent moon embellished with crystals (probably very light grey color ?). Ma...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Multistrand Ethnic Necklace
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage ethnic multistrand necklace featuring black matte glass beads, antiqued silver tone hardware and diamond-shaped charms. Lobster clasp closure. Marked GAU...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Skull, Cherub, Anchor & Cross Dangle Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage clip-on dangle earrings in antiqued silver-tone metal, showcasing a striking raised skull and crossed bones, a cherub motif with anchor, and a cross charm ...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Art Deco Diamant Enamel Oversized Hoop Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage Art Deco inspired oversized hoop earrings with DIAMANT inscription. Green and off-white enamel overlay on copper ton...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Long Chandelier Dangle Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage long chandelier dangle earrings (clip-on) featuring JPG logo inlaid resin top, copper tone resin cabochons, off-white resin cabochon, bead and drop. Antiq...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Glass Ball Net Tassel Pendant Necklace
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER ruthenium color metal chain necklace featuring a clear glass ball net pendant and a long black tassel. Slips on (no closure system). E...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Resin Movie Film Strip Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER black and old rose resin movie film strip bracelet embellished with light pink crystals on the rims. Marked JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. Indicat...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Tribal Ethnic Ring and Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage gun patina engraved tribal ethnic motif ring and bracelet embellished with large ruby resin cabochons. Adjustable ball chain bracelet with hook closure. ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Rare Collectable Watch Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER rare and collectable vintage watch bracelet. Silver tone with patina links featuring rectangular watch dials in a domed clear resin inlaid. Marked GAULTIER. Ind...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Statement Art Deco Inspired Sautoir Necklace
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER statement bronze tone Art Deco inspired sautoir necklace featuring glass beads and a massive pendant with chain tassel embellished with light grey opal color cryst...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Chandelier Dangling Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage distressed metal (silver tone with light golden patina) chandelier dangling earrings (clip-on). Marked GAULTIER. Indicative measurements : max. height ap...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Maxi Jewelled Coil Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage maxi gun patina tone metal coil cuff bracelet embellished with black jet crystals. Slips on (no clasp closure). Marked GAULTIER. Indicative measurements...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Rare Geometric enameled Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage rare articulated gold tone geometric cuff bracelet featuring multi colored enameled cabochons. Embossed JPG. Indicative measurements : length approx. 16....
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Twisted Choker and Bracelet Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage twisted chocker and bracelet set in gun patina metal. Marked GAULTIER. CHOKER indicative measurements : inner circumference approx. 31.10 cm (12.24 inche...
John Paul Gaultier Vintage Sterling Silver Knot Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
John Paul Gaultier Vintage Sterling Silver Knot Bracelet Silver knot-style chain bracelet crafted from 925 sterling silver. Each link formed from multiple silver wires twisted into...
Sterling Silver
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Skull, Flower, Cherub Dangle Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage clip-on dangle earrings in antiqued silver-tone metal, showcasing a striking raised skull, delicate flower, and cherub motif, all enhanced with vibrant mul...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Cherub Dangling Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage antiqued silver tone metal dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring a raised metal cherub head on iridescent resin, woman head profile top. Marked JPG. Indi...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Huge Sphere Double Ring
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage incredibly huge antiqued silver toned double ring featuring two speres. Marked GAULTIER. Indicative measurements : rings inner circumference approx. 5.65...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage One-of-a-kind Scarab Bracelet and Ring
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage stunning one-of-a-kind scarab bracelet and ring. Silver tone metal featuring two large enameled scarabs with rhinestone and glass cabochon embellishement....
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Massive Double Lapel Pin
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage massive double lapel pin. Aged effect patina (extremely difficult to describe). Embossed JPG. Indicative measurements : max. total height approx. 17.5 c...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Stars and Chains Jewelled Dangling Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage jewelled dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring stars, ring and chains. Silver tone metal hardware. Antiqued patina. Marked GAULTIER. Indicative measurem...
Couture French Feathered HandPaintedSilk Rose Flower Brooch HatPin, 2004
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Chicago, IL
This couture French silk chiffon flower hat-pin brooch accented by emu feathers was painted, cut and appliqued by hand to appear like a large rose. It was acquired in France in Janua...
Silver
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Jewelled Star and Crescent Moon Dangling Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage gun tone dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring a star top and a crescent moon embellished with amethyst color crystals. Marked GAULTIER. Indicative measu...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Jewelled Coil Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage antiqued bronze tone metal coil cuff bracelet embellished with citrine color crystals. Slips on (no clasp closure). Marked GAULT...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Hanging Mobile Dangling Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER hanging mobile dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring free form green enamel elements, a gun patina ball chain and rings. Marked GAULTIER (only on one earring). I...
Rare Jean Paul Gaultier vintage 90’s extra long earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare vintage Jean Paul Gaultier earrings 1990’s extra long clip on earrings length 6.5 inches
Jean Paul Gaultier Bronze Toned Glass Cabochons Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER antiqued bronze toned bracelet embellished with multicolored glass cabochons. Embossed JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. Indicative measurements : inner circumference approx. ...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Massive Jewelled Brooch
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage massive distressed gun patina brooch embellished with pink crystals, featuring animals (birds, frog, lizard), stars, hearts, flowers... Marked GAULTIER. ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Jewelled Dangling Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage dangling earrings (clip-on) embellished with pink and clear crystals in a silver tone with antique patina setting. Marked GAULTIER. Indicative measuremen...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Antiqued Silver Tone Knot Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER antiqued silver tone rope design cuff bracelet embellished with knots. Embossed JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. Indicative measurements : inner measurements approx. 5.8 cm x...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Modernist Pendant Necklace
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER modernist gun tone snake chain necklace featuring a free form ceramic pebble pendant. Embossed JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. Indicative measurements : length approx. 32 cm...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Shoulder Duster Jewelled Dangling Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage silver tone shoulder duster dangling earrings (clip-on) embellished with multicolor crystals. Marked GAULTIER. Indicative measurements : max. height appr...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Steampunk Clock Dial Resin Clip-On Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage steampunk domed resin clip-on earrings featuring a clock dial inlaid. Marked GAULTIER. Indicative measurements : height approx. 2.6 cm (1.02 inches) / wi...
Jean Paul Gaultier Jeweled Chain Necklace with Victorian Pendant
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning beaded necklace, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier Paris, features a Victorian-inspired design that showcases a black metal chain intricately adorned with black French jet...
Jean-Paul Gaultier Green Intaglio Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add some edge to your looks! Circa early 2000s, this green acrylic bracelet is adorned with rhinestones and a lime green intaglio motif. Stamped JPG and opens like a belt closure. Best fit for a size 7-9" wrist. Perfect to layer with your favorite silver or gold vintage bracelets...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Steampunk Watch Necklace
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage steampunk watch necklace. Chunky gold tone chain featuring gears, two small watch dials and a massive watch pendant. Spring ...
Jean Paul Gaultier 1981 'Gaultier Bijoux' Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add these rare JPG earrings to your collection! Circa 1981/1982, these steampunk dangle earrings are embossed with 'Gaultier Bijoux' & 'Label', and featur...
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Pearl Choker Necklace, France, 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in TOULOUSE, FR
This striking vintage Jean Paul Gaultier necklace is a powerful example of the designer’s iconic approach to costume jewelry, where fashion, symbolism, and sculptural design merge in...
Jean Paul Gaultier Extra-Wide Silvered Wire Bangle Bracelet with Cursive Decor
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Atlanta, GA
This impressive Jean Paul Gaultier Paris oversized metal cuff bracelet is from the Spring 2013 ready-to-wear runway collection. This rare bangle is documented. Check the last picture...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Ethnic Chain Necklace
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage antiqued silver tone chunky chain necklace featuring a resin ethnic disc, square links and a tubular drop pendant. Black crystal embellishment. Slips on (...
Jean Paul Gautiler Long Leather Earrings
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Jean Paul Gaultier Long Leather Earrings. Composed of oval cabocheons, faceted teardrops and long tear drop pendants, all sheathed in black lamb s...
Bronze
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Clock Ring
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage clock ring featuring a massive domed resin cabochon in a silver tone with antique patina setting. Marked GAULTIER. Indi...
Jean Paul Gaultier Touareg Style Pendant Necklace
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER antiqued silver toned necklace featuring a Touareg style pendant embellished with smoky topaz resin crystals and tassels. Ball chain. Hook clasp. Extension chain...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Liquid Silver Tone Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage liquid silver tone cuff bracelet. Marked GAULTIER. Indicative measurements : length approx. 19.50 cm (7.68 inches) / width approx. 8 cm (3.15 inches). M...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Jewelled Resin Pendant Necklace
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER jewelled pendant necklace featuring nude color resin elements, faceted clear beads, copper tone hardware. Hook clasp closure. Embossed JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. Indic...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Enamel Lion Ring
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage enameled ring featuring a lion in a silver tone with antique patina setting. JPG initials at the front. Indictive meas...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Resin Cameo Choker Necklace
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage antiqued bronze tone choker necklace featuring 3 amber color resin cameos links featuring inlaids with scarab and ancient roman cameo...