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Commentary & Critique -The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier

Gaultier1The Brooklyn museums Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit features some of Gaultier’s most iconic work, including the blush pink cone bra corselette, worn as part of Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour. The soft rose pink silk velvet torpedo bra dress, ruched down the entirely of its pencil slim skirt. Black and white striped tops and dresses in every combination, reminiscent of Sonia Rykiel in their classic dark navy and white, combined with classic wide leg sailor pants. Wonderful design explorations into punk through a red tartan men’s frock coat, and a yellow tartan bias pleated gown, replete with leather jacket and Mohawk.

Gaultier2The interchangeability of masculine and feminine stereotypes, along with his iconic obsession with sailors, running like a theme throughout his work. A master of role-playing through dress, all expressed through immaculate workmanship and craft. Inspired by beauty and diversity, every culture is reflected through his designs, from Mongolian princesses, to gypsy queen’s, native American Chieftans to African tribal warriors. The exhibit meanders gracefully and poetically from one country to the next, expressed through exquisite craftsmanship.

Gaultier3The multi media exhibit employs clever customized mannequins with interactive faces, created through high definition audio-visual projections directly onto the blank canvas of the mannequins face. Mannequins wink, talk, laugh and snarl at the observer, to eerie effect. The exhibit also features a myriad of photographs, videos, concerts, runway shows and film excerpts, showing the range and diversity of Gaultier’s reach and appeal.

Gaultier4A cultural delight, the exhibit allows you to see some of the best examples of couture design and workmanship up close. On till the 23rd of February, 2014, there is still time to see the exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum.

Gaultier5Website: www.brooklynmuseum.org

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