JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE: The Bark Is Always Warmer
September 7, 2016
By Marcellous L. Jones
Photos Courtesy of Jean-Paul Gaultier
Paris, France – Technique is one thing. However imagination is the key to a couturier’s creativity. And with that in mind, let us celebrate the superb found in the new Fall Winter 2016/17 collection by Jean-Paul Gaultier. This new chapter in his storied career is one for the ages.
This season Jean-Paul Gaultier examines the bark of a tree. From that simple observation in nature comes forth the premise of his new work. He takes the bark and the flesh of trees, reexamines them, reinterprets them and transfigures them before finally transposing the collective result into his creations. We see both the bark and wood literally showing up in not only the colors, but in also the textures. The prints replicate age patterns from the inside of wood. Even the hair of the models is created to ressemble the intertwining of a tree’s roots.
The colors include rich mahogany, black, tan, brown, orange, various shades of green, etc. They are everywhere in the pieces composed of silk, organdi, crepe, leather, knits, crocodile skins, furs, etc. In the shapes we find many tapered trousers cut to slim proportions and slim skirts. The shoulders are structured in the coats. In fact we even find that the knit coat has a tailored appeal.
It is so interesting to note the quasi inclusion of organic materials. As the collection is about wood and colors, crystals just could not really find their way into the garments. However in their absence, Jean-Paul Gaultier has created a plethora of outstanding elements to compensate. Among them are the winter hats. These numbers are in leather and are finished in a variety of colorful furs such as fox, mink, wolf, etc. And of course the many other accessories are very well present too. We find large necklaces, chunky braces crafted in wood, leather gloves, wide belts and a variety of shoes.
This is an extremely strong collection by Jean-Paul Gaultier. It boasts of so many creative and diverse merits. One would be hard-pressed to chose a single favorite from among the many. However it would be remiss of this fashion critic to not point out a personal affection for the beautiful use of the furs!
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE – Fall Winter 2016/17
