This New Book Offers Unprecedented Access to Jean Paul Gaultier's Archives

Fashion girls, stop what you're doing. Thames & Hudson just published the first-ever overview of Jean Paul Gaultier's womenswear collections with unprecedented access to the House's archives and in collaboration with Gaultier himself. This is the coffee table book to rival all coffee table books, this is "Jean Paul Gaultier Catwalk."

From "Biker of the Opera," his debut show in 1976, to his final blow-out collection in 2020, the book is the ultimate collectors' item for any fan of the brand. Authored by Laird Borrelli-Persson, she describes Gaultier as "the quintessential postmodernist, who is galvanized by the clash of opposites, gender fluidity and melting-pot culture in terms of size, ethnicity, sexual orientation and nationality." The designer celebrated models of all ages and looks, and included stars like Madonna and Björk in his runways, always adding some element of novelty and surprise. Gaultier radically refreshed the possibilities of luxury fashion with his commitment to sexual equality, visual gags and a love of the performative and fantastical.

The book includes a history of the House, a biographical profile of Gaultier and a chronological exploration of the collections. The images offer a unique insight into the set designs, clothing, details, beauty looks and models from Linda Evangelista and Kate Moss to Gigi and Bella Hadid. The book concludes with a rich section of references, leaving nothing left unsaid. If you need the perfect gift for a fashion lover, or any extra reason to fall in love with Jean Paul Gaultier, this is the book for you.

The book is now available to purchase on the Thames & Hudson website.

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