0 Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week--Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012--Photos + Runway Video!

Androgyny, Turban, Top Hat, and Roaring Twenties COUTURE:

Maharaja meets Cross Dressing Couture: Designer Jean Paul Gaultier and "Le Mariage" finale model, Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week continues and I, of course, feel it my Fashion Duty to bring you highlights (from my fashion "home-office" in LA!). Today, it's Jean Paul Gaultier. The "bad boy" of couture showed his Fall/Winter 2012 collection based on Pete Doherty, star of the Sylvie Verheyde's adaptation of nineteenth century poet Alfred de Musset's Confession of a Child of the Century.

 Top Hat Wedding: The Final Look, Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Poet de Musset's grand amour was the novelist George Sand, who scandalized mid-nineteenth century Paris by wearing men's clothes and smoking in public and Gaultier's collection saluted this in all its glory on the runway.

 Tailcoat and Trenches: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Model Erin O'Connor opened the show as Sand, in top hat, tailcoat, and gentleman's le smoking tailcoat. There was Gaultier's creative take on le trench, lots of top hats and gorgeous coats. tailored pants fit like exquisite gowns (hello, it's Haute Couture kids!).

 Trouser Couture: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Six foot tall+ Supermodel Karlie Kloss (above photo, left) glided on the catwalk with a sheer and sparkly sequined loose jumpsuit topped by a bolero jacket, scarf and platform heels. Black and white prevailed but for the gowns and evening wear, there were bolts of color and roaring twenties silhouettes...

 Netting Queen: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Accessorized with a netting "cap" (netting is THE accessory of the season it seems!).

Roaring Twenties Divas: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Oh and did I mention Gaultier's Top Hat-and-Turban'ed Boys:

AttaGurl: Tanel Bedrossiantz, Gaultier's male "muse" (above, left photo) Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Bearded Brother: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Oh and then, there was Andrej:

Androgynous male Supermodel Andrej Prejic GIVING IT at Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 Branding and Pumps: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Click Below for Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 (edited) Runway Video:

0 Fashion Museum Minute: The Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition, de Young Museum San Francisco

Couture Mon Dieu!!!

Museum Boys: David Paul (left) and Nick Verreos (right), de Young Museum "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk" Exhibition

Last weekend, as part of my trip to Macy's Union Square San Francisco, I got some time off from my hosting duties and got to experience some "culture": I went to "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to Catwalk" Exhibition in San Francisco's famed de Young Museum. The exhibit began in March with a VIP Gala party attended by Gaultier, Suzy Menkes, A-List Hollywood Celebs, SF social mavens and drag queens alike...

The exhibition ends in August and well, I just had to see it before it was too late. My NIKOLAKI design partner--David Paul--as well as his mom Conchita (who was in from San Diego) came with me.

Signed Wall: Jean Paul Gaultier autograph, de Young Museum, "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to the Catwalk"

This dynamic, multimedia exhibition includes 140 haute couture and prêt-à-porter designs created between the mid-1970s and 2010, along with numerous sketches, archival documents, fashion photographs, and video clips that spotlight Gaultier’s collaborations with filmmakers, choreographers, and musicians, most notably Madonna (keep reading).

Talking Gaultier: de Young Museum, "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to the Catwalk"

For this presentation, Gaultier partnered with the Montreal-based theater company Ubu Compagnie de Création in the design of 30 animated mannequins who talk and sing in playful and poetic vignettes. Besides these "talking mannequins", there was a "moving runway" which also featured many of his designs.

Highlights...

Faux Suit and Native American Wedding Goddess, de Young Museum, "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to the Catwalk"

There were many. The exhibit was marvelous in its all-encompassing grasp of Gaultier's world. I LOVED every minute of it. It was amazing to be so close to the awe-inspiring handwork of Haute Couture and seeing the gowns and tailleur. I LOVED his "faux" suit where a gray jacket sat affixed to straps on the mannequin...and the Native American Wedding Gown: Perfection (both seen in above pics).

Gaultier Nautical Princess: A striped sweater and feathered gown creation: (right) as worn on Princess Caroline of Hanover and on the mannequin (right), de Young Museum, "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to the Catwalk"

Barbarella Couture: A look from Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2009 Haute Couture Collection modeled by Magdalena Frackowiak (left) and on a mannequin in the de Young Museum "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to the Catwalk" exhibition.

Je T'aime Afrique: A Jean Paul Gaultier "Mask" and silk tulle wedding gown from his Spring/Summer 2005 Haute Couture Collection on the runway (right) and in the de Young Museum "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to the Catwalk"exhibition (left)

 And then, there's...MADONNA:

Cone Bra Tribute:  Madonna Costumes designed by Jean Paul Gaultier. de Young Museum "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to the Catwalk" exhibition

Of course there were several sections of the exhibition paying homage to Madonna and her costume collaborations with Jean Paul Gaultier, including the famous--or is it infamous--cone-bra.

 

Fashion Illustration Heaven: I LOVED seeing the fashion illustrations from Gaultier of Madonna's various costumes designed by the French designer (above photos)...

Ride 'em Couture: Another highlight was seeing some of the costumes Gaultier designed for Madonna's "Confessions" tour--Jean Paul Gaultier Costumes for Madonna, de Young Museum "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to the Catwalk" exhibition

It was a FABULOUS exhibition and I was so happy to have seen it! If you guys are in San Francisco and LOVE fashion, costume exhibits, Haute Couture, and Madonna...it is a MUST-SEE!

Click HERE for all the details.

0 Grammy Awards 2012: Who Wore What? Fergie in Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012

Fergie in Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012: This might come as a shock to some of my readers here, but...I think Fergie looks FAB!!!! This is a difficult gown to pull off and I'm sure this look might have its detractors (I can just hear the "Oh she looks like a Lace Orange Oompa Loompa!!") But I disagree!

This orange lace applique gown is from the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012 collection--which was JUST shown two weeks ago in Paris. It was his "Homage to Amy Winehouse". I loved that she wore the gown--including the undergarments--exactly as it was shown on the runway. I also think her make-up and hair looked modern and quite beautiful. Go on Miss Fergie!

What do you guys think? Am I crazy or do you agree that she looks quite Fergie Fab? Let me know...

0 Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week--Jean Paul Gaultier

Black Swans, Biker Tutus, Men in Feathered Skirts, Silk Mousseline Trench Coats, a Cone Bra Wedding Gown and French SuperDiva Mylene Farmer??

Biker Tutu: Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

French Fashion Designer Jean Paul Gaultier showed his Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Haute Couture Collection and by the looks of the video and the photos, it was a Not-To-Be-Missed show! The music soundtrack began with the voice of actor Vincent Cassel of the film "Black Swan" instructing his dancers. From that moment--and the first Swan-like feathered headdress--we knew that this collection might have some Ballet tendencies...

PETA-Free Zone: Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

As the 60+ look collection materialized, indeed there were strong "Swan Lake" influences: Luxe tutus with mink, silk tulle, leather and wool, full skirts, ribbon-laced "Ballet" platform-pumps.

Also: Lots of Furs--in those "tutu dresses", as well as in parka coats, cape-gowns (above on English Model Erin O'Connor) and just about every other piece in the collection (it's Fall/Winter after all--a very un-politically correct one but still). Gowns featuring Madame Grès-like plisse pleating also showed up, as well as late 70's Disco-Era Divas like this one:

There was also a general undercurrent of a "Look-Back Through the Best of Gaultier" with highlights being all those FABULOUS Trench coats and Variations-on-the-Trench which is a Gaultier Hallmark:

It's Raining Trenches: Two Trench Coat looks from Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

My favorite being the GORGEOUS silk mousseline trench gowns with open back on above photos. Continuing with his "Ode to Himself" theme, Gaultier also showed many Menswear Looks--all hand-made Haute Couture naturally. These male DIVOS, stomped the runway in three-inch heel boots with Marabou and Ostrich-trimmed floor-length skirts, asymmetrical cape-jackets, poufy trench coat-gowns (yes, I said POUFY TRENCH COAT GOWNS!) and even a strapless bustier with attached shawl-over "over-gown". Check out les hommes kiddies:

Miss Thang: Gaultier Muse, Model and Collaborator Tanel Bedrossiantz, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Poufy Officer: Portuguese Model Luis Batalha, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Bearded Bustier: Model Benjamin Dukhan Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

And to put the "Gaultier Cherry" on top of this "Haute Couture Cake", he sent out French-Canadian model Ève Salvail who was definitely NOT typecast as the "White Swan" of the collection. She wore "Le Mariage" (wedding dress) with those iconic Cone-shaped bust cups that put him on the map, via Madonna:

Express Yourself: Model Ève Salvail, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

And speaking of Madonna--his show ended with the "French Madonna" (doesn't it seem as if there's a "Madonna" in EVERY country!), Mylène Farmer:

Comme J'Ai Mal: French Icon-singer Mylene Farmer, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Who, naturally was THE Black Swan of the show, wearing a fitted black leather jacket, tulle high-low skirt with a very long train (poor thing tripped on it when turning around), and of course, "Swan Lake"-like feathers atop her ginger-colored swept up-do. If this all sounds Trop! ("too much" en francais), then please by all means, see for yourself...

Click Below for Full Runway Video of Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011/12 Haute Couture--Part One:

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011/12 Haute Couture--Part Two:

0 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet Report: Le Divas-- A Fashion Report Card!

Cannes Queens:


Penelope Cruz in Marchesa Fall 2011: Attending the Premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" in a lavender colored embroidered silk tulle Marchesa gown from one of my favorite collections from that design firm. We saw actress Rachel McAdams, during the Opening Ceremonies and "Midnight In Paris" Premiere, also wearing a gown from the same collection. Penelope looked stunning--as usual. Her hair, pulled-back with only bangs showing was perfect for "topping off" this gown. She loves a "Mermaid/Flamenco" silhouette and this was a new way of showing this. The simple drop earrings and small clutch finish the look impeccably. Olé!
Grade: A

Soonam Kapoor in Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2009 Haute Couture: Attending "The Artist" Premiere at the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival. Indian Bollywood actress Soonam Kapoor became an instant COUTURE DIVA at the Cannes Film Festival, wearing this silk organza with MAJAH Horsehair hem detailed ivory-and-black gown from Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring 2009 Haute Couture Collection--from two years ago. Since probably no one actually ordered this hand-made gown--it makes sense to get it out of the Gaultier Couture Archives and have it be worn...One word: WORK!
Grade: A.

Li Bingbing in Georges Chakra Spring 2011 Haute Couture: The beautiful Chinese-born actress wore an Haute Couture (one-of-a-kind/hand-made) creation from Lebanese fashion designer Georges Chakra attending "The Artist" Premiere. It was a strapless "Princess Ball Gown" in baby-blue tulle with original torso and bustier applique. This gown could easily have gone into Disney and Quinceañera mode, but it still somehow, did not.
Grade: B.

Fan Bingbing in Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2009: Attending the "Polisse" Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Chinese-born actress and singer Fan Bingbing has quickly positioned herself to be the Cannes Red Carpet DIVA!!! Here, she wore a white Elie Saab Fall 2009 Haute Couture Gown from one of my favorite collections from this Lebanese fashion designer. The elongated and VERY exaggerated lace re-embroidered sleeves are FABU-licious!!! No need to eat with this gown (can you imagine getting one of those sleeves in your mushroom soup!), it's all about stepping onto the Red Carpet, posing and SERVING IT to them!!! The only thing she--and/or her stylist--did wrong: The earrings and necklace. They were SO not needed. Therefore...
Grade: A-

Fan Bingbing in Atelier Versace Spring 2011: Oh Fan, you are my new Red Carpet Obsession! Either you have a FAB stylist with LOTS of connections, or your PR Department is working OVERTIME, but seriously, you have become a COUTURE DESIGNER'S new "Wet Dream". Here is Chinese-born actress/singer Fan Bingbing (and new-found fashionista muse!) attending the "Wu Xia" Premiere in a Versace Atelier Spring 2011 ombre silk "Mermaid" gown. It's a GORGEOUS gown but something happened from her hotel limo ride to the red carpet--and the wrinkles show it! It's very difficult to keep silk Habotai pressed darlings. Hand-held steamer anyone?
Grade: B-

Fan Bingbing in Versace Atelier Spring 2011: Attending "The Artist" Premiere, my new favorite girl, Fan Bingbing wore a Versace Atelier Spring 2011 purple ombre strapless bustier and crinkled organza ruffle gown. Since the gown itself--estimated at about $50,000 if she were actually to buy it--is so "Costume-y" and reminiscent of the late 19th/early 20th Century, I would have advised her to do a more modern hairstyle (like in the Look Book Photo above). But she didn't, and therefore , it sort of threw her entire look off, and made her look almost--dowdy.
Grade: B-

Fan Bingbing in Chris Bu Kewen: Finally, during the Opening Ceremony Red Carpet earlier in the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival, Miss Fan Bingbing wore a red silk printed strapless gown with a Watteau back designed by her stylist, Chris Bu Kewen. It's very Christian Dior by John Galliano "Madama Butterfly" Spring 2007 Haute Couture Collection, and therefore: I LOVE it! This is the first "Cannes Red Carpet Impression" lots of "Who-is-Fan-Bingbing" folk got of her, and well, WOW: That's a great First Impression!
Grade: A.