JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER
Over the years, we inevitably see strange trends come and go that always leave us questioning, “Where on earth did that come from?” However, we don’t always look back to the trends of earlier years to really appreciate the hits and misses, the impractical styles, and the "WTF" moments. We thought it’d be fun to take a peek at the history of fashion for a few of the nutty trends that, after really thinking about it, left us with cocked heads and raised brows in amusement. These weren't mere made-only-for-the-runway oddities --people actually rocked these trends! Here are a few trends that veered off from fashionable to just weird:
Youthquake! The 1960s Fashion Revolution
Just as the ’60s were a revolutionary period for politics and youth culture throughout the world, the era redefined fashion. "Once only the rich, the Establishment, set the fashion. Now it is the inexpensive little dress seen on the girls in High Street," British designer and boutique owner Mary Quant has said of the transition. London's mod scene and American hippies began setting trends—dressing for self-expression, blurring traditional lines of gender identity, embracing sexuality and new silhouettes. Youthquake! explores the decade with an exhibition that showcases garments and historical footage. (NYCGO)
Celebration of great designers of our era by honoring their work through curated exhibitions is becoming tres en vogue. We whole-heartedly support these showcases. Not only do the creative minds of our time deserve the recognition, but we welcome the opportunity to view their most influential work up close and personal. Imagine our excitement to learn of the first international installation dedicated to Maison Jean Paul Gaultier! Initiated, produced, and circulated by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to Catwalk will be arriving in Dallas on November 13th (through February 12th). The Dallas Museum of Art will host the first of only two stops in the United States during exhibition’s exclusive international tour.
Wu-hoo! Designer Jason Wu introduced the world to his first accessories line last year, and wants to continue to walk all over the hearts of fashion lovers in a new way. In Spring 2012, Wu will follow the footsteps of Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood when launching a collection alongside Melissa, a chic Brazilian shoe brand. Jason Wu will be the first American designer to collaborate with Melissa to bring to life two super chic styles.
Wu tells WWD, “It was really interesting for me to explore design possibilities with plastic.”… “I wanted to take advantage of the materials I was given, make it all completely functional and waterproof and yet still remain extremely sophisticated.”
With recession headlines eclipsed by governmental candidates’ gaffes and the constant struggle of the left and right to compromise on anything of consequence, it is easy to overlook that we are still in fact, in the throes of an economic recession. This is probably why I dropped fifty bucks on a mermaid green hoodie at American Apparel this weekend without a second thought.
But I digress.
Instead of resigning to the discount aisles of Wal-Mart (cue Seinfeld’s “Not that there’s anything wrong with that”), the fashionably inclined have breathed new life into last season’s (and the season before that) styles and adapted to the less than ideal economic conditions. Style bloggers, online retailers, discount stores and high-end labels have not only made lemonade out of lemons; they’ve taken that lemonade and mixed a tasty cocktail then placed said cocktail in a sugar-rimmed martini glass.
Tea Time: Now enjoy your favorite designers with a cup of tea. German shop, Donkey Products, has released a small collection of tea bags attached to the bodies of designers, including Karl Lagerfeld, Donatella Versace, Jean-Paul Gaultier and more. We wonder why they didn't fit Alber Elbaz on to one of those things?
The teabags are priced at $10, but we're sure the real excitement will come from shopping on the website attempting to decipher German.
Time To Get Busy: We confess that we are major Twitter fans, so when The Cobra Snake tweeted a photo of condoms he was gifted by Proper Attire, we knew we had to add them to this week's shopping list. Even better, the condoms are designed by Jeremy Scott - who by the way, tweets away too.
Paris Fashion Week has come to an end, and as sad and somewhat happy as we are, we must admit that the week's final days were most certainly the best. Designers who had shown earlier in fashion month (with exception of Cerruti's Richard Nicoll) were given a second chance to wow buyers, editors and fashion followers with their talents. Though some collections were a bit, well, boring, they made a pleasant statement. On the other hand, some collections provided a breath of fresh air to reunite the industry and remind everyone there is a future for fashion.
Let's not fool each other any longer - let's all admit that Jean-Paul Gaultier's Target bevy is the most hideous thing since Kriss Van Acche signed his Dior Homme contract. Oops!
For us, nothing really adds up - neither the prints, the long hems, nor the bikini tops. Is this a matronly resort to, oh I don't know, Lamefest 2056 in Hawaii?
Regardless, it's all about the consumers, no? Because consumers are going crazy over these items, as a few have already sold out. Well, your grandmother's a-line printed skirt hasn't sold out. But, the motorcycle jacket, leggings, bikini tops and strained leather jacket have.
Jean-Paul Gaultier has been talking about being inspired by the hit movie Avatar, nature and Latin America for his Spring 2010 couture bevy.
“I saw the Avatar and, like everyone, found it extraordinary. And from there I began thinking of nature and ecology, and the Latin American tropics; and from there it was not very far to Mexico.”
Models walked with purses made of divine exotic leaves, outrageous headpieces and Mexican fiesta footwear.
A little outlandish, perhaps, but here and maybe there were a few truly wearable looks for JPG's clientele.
But, our question for the risk-seeking consumers:
Will you go all the way and opt for a headpiece or two?
Let's face it, Chris Brown's ensemble during menswear fashion week in Paris wasn't his best choice.
Neither was his decision to pose with designer Jean-Paul Gaultier after the designer's boxing-themed Paris show. Sponsored by Everlast, models walked the runway wielding boxing gloves and sporting cuts and bruises, while female models kickboxed wearing corsets in a boxing ring.
Something clearly has to give: Chris's PR rep or his stylist. Oops!
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