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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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...
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 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 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 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 Metal and Ceramic Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER hammered ruthenium tone metal cuff bracelet embellished with a free form ceramic pebble and snake chain. Embossed JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. Indicative measurements : i...
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...
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 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 Rubis Paris Enamel Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage RUBIS PARIS silver tone cuff bracelet featuring green, off-white and grey enameled links. Box clasp closure. Embossed JPG on the reveres of each links. ...
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...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Abacus Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Abacus Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 2.16 inches (5.5 cm) Wearable Length: 7.28 inches (18.5 cm) Features:...
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...
Jean Paul Gaultier Silver Toned and Glass Brutalist Cuff Bracelet and Ring Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER abrutalist chunky cuff bracelet and ring set embellished with encaged multicolour glass cabochons. Silver tone metal hardware. Antiqued patina. Marked JEAN PAUL ...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Jewelled Coil Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage gun metal tone coil cuff bracelet embellished with red crystals. Slips on (no clasp closure). Marked GAULTIER. Indicative measu...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Bronze Tone Glass Cabochons Bangle Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER antiqued bronze tone bangle bracelet embellished with multicolored glass cabochons. This bracelet reflects the bold universe of JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, blending textu...
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 Vintage Jewelled Ring and Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage antiqued/oxidized silver tone ball chain ring and bracelet featuring a large multi disc centerpiece embellished with multicolor crystals. Adjustable wrist...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Resin Cameo Scarab Logo Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage antiqued bronze toned bracelet featuring five large strawberry color resin links featuring inlaids with scarabs, ancient roman cameo...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Gothic Rhinestone Spiral Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Gothic Rhinestone Spiral Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 4.13 inches (10.5 cm) Inner circumference: 8.07 inches (20.5 cm) ...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Jpg Logo Encrusted Lucite Link Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Jpg Logo Encrusted Lucite Link Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1.49 inches (3.8 cm) Wearable Length: 7.48 inches (19 cm) Featu...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Rapsody Garanti Enamel Rustic Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Rapsody Garanti Enamel Rustic Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 3.07 inches (7.8 cm) Inner Circumference: 6.61 inche...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Tribal Jewelled Rhinestone Bangle Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Tribal Jewelled Rhinestone Bangle Bracelet Measurements: Height: 0.86 inch (2.2 cm) Inner Circumference: 8.07 inches (20.5 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Cartoon Explosion Bang Enamel Silver Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Cartoon Explosion Bang Enamel Silver Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 2.56 inches (6.5 cm) Inner Circumference: 6.30 inches (16 cm) opening included F...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Thimble Brutalist Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Thimble Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 2.55 inches (6.5 cm) Wearable Length: 6.10 inches (15.5 cm) without stretching the elastic Features: - 100% Authentic JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. - Brutalist gilt rope twist barrel forms strung on elastic with thimble charms...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Ethnic Jewelled Rhinestone Bangle Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Ethnic Jewelled Rhinestone Bangle Bracelet Measurements: Height: 0.59 inch (1.5 cm) Inner Circumference: 7.87 inches (20 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic J...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Ethnic Glass Cabochons Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Ethnic Glass Cabochons Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 0.86 inch (2.2 cm) Inner Circumference: 8.18 inches (20.8 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic JEAN ...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Jpg Logo Mesh Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Jpg Logo Mesh Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1.30 inches (3.3 cm) Wearable Length: 7.16 inches (18.2 cm) Features: - 100...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Gothic Coil Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Gothic Coil Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 2.75 inches (7 cm) Inner circumference: 7.87 inches (20 cm) Feat...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Scapular Cross Cherub Coil Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Scapular Cross Cherub Coil Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Cherub Height: 0.67 inch (1.7 cm) Cherub and Scapular Height: 1.77...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Multi Chain Enamel Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Multi Chain Enamel Bracelet Measurements: Wearable Length: 5.70 inches (14.5 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. - Enamel bracelet in jade...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Massive Ethnic Disc Dangling Charm Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Massive Ethnic Disc Dangling Charm Bracelet Measurements: Discs Diameter: 1.45 inches (3.7 cm) Cone Charm Height: 2.59 inches (6.6 cm) Wearable Length: 7....
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Gothic Jeweled Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Gothic Jeweled Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 3.77 inches (9.6 cm) Width: 2.91 inches (7.4 cm) Inner Circumf...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Brutalist Tubular Rhinestone Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Brutalist Tubular Rhinestone Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) Wearable Length: 7 1/8 inches (18.09 cm) Features: - 100% Authent...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Gilt Leather Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Gilt Leather Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1.96 inches (5 cm) Circumference: 7.48 inches (19 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. - R...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Logo Rustic Mesh Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Logo Rustic Mesh Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1 6/8 inches Wearable Length: 7 4/8 inches Features: - 100% Authentic JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. - Rustic m...
Vintage Jean Paul GAULTIER JPG RECORD Enamel Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Jean Paul GAULTIER JPG RECORD Enamel Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 2.16 inches (5.5 cm) Wearable Length: 7.48 inches (19 cm) Features: - 1...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Rubis Paris Enamel Collector Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Rubis Paris Enamel Collector Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 2 inches Wearable Length: 6 4/8 inches Features: - 100% Authentic JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. - ...