FIERCE OR FARCE?: jean paul gaultier

After a knockout season under his own name, Jean Paul Gaultier hit another home run with his Spring/Summer 2009 collection at Hermès, inspired by the wild, wild west.

While the public isn't too enthused about the collection, thankfully at least the critics can agree with me that this was exactly what we needed: it's joyous, full of life, and a great distraction from all of the bad things that are happening in the "real world" right now. At the end of the day, isn't that what fashion should be--an optimistic escape from reality and the pressures of everyday life?

I really hope the music at the show was "Personal Jesus,"
and maybe even "White Horse".....Suits it to a T, I think.

Here's what Sarah Mower has to say, via style.com:

It was only a matter of time before all the fringe we've seen this season went West. Sure enough, it was down to Jean Paul Gaultier to rustle it up in full buckskin glory, across the cactus-strewn desert sands of the Hermès runway. Naturally, this cowgirl is quite the chicest, classiest example of her kind ever to don a Stetson, and her fringe-swishing posse was led out by none other than Stephanie Seymour and Naomi Campbell.

Only a branded thoroughbred as sure-footed as an Hermès filly could possibly tread this trail with such a sense of fun. The kitsch risk was high, but Gaultier made it look natural: Hermès = equestrian heritage + sophisticated world traveler, after all. His quick mind for the crossover pun also found a way to twist the classic house scarf as a bandanna, and even to tame a poncho to supreme elegance, rendering it in square-cut cashmere knits and slinky jersey day dresses. And the accessories were all-out amazing: soft suede riding boots, mirrored aviators, driving/riding gloves, slim crocodile envelope clutches, handheld canvas-and-leather suitcases, and (whoa, ladies!) even a fringed Birkin.

I couldn't agree more. The collection, or at least 99.99% of it (I really wasn't feeling the one head-to-toe chamois look), was completely flawless....and each look could easily transition into the wardrobe of many a woman (or at least those who could afford Hermès) with a simple change of accessories. The key to successful dressing is all about personalization anyway; no one likes a fash-victim.

Everything in the collection, from the stellar floor-length halter-necked shirt dresses that will work everywhere and anywhere this summer, to the simply chic platform sandals, the fabulous sterling silver interpretation of the classic Collier de Chien bracelet, and the must-have slouchy suede flat boot are just mouth-watering. I want it all, don't you?

Sarape-chic!

Accessories to die for

In closing, I have one thing to say--- Bravo, Jean Paul! I'm glad to see that you're in such good spirits...keep it up! ;-)

all photos--style.com,elle.com

For the past few seasons I haven't really been too excited about Jean Paul Gaultier's ready to wear collections, but his Spring/Summer 2009 was a great surprise: a joyous collection celebrating the spirit and movement of dance.

All of his signatures are present: fluid jersey skirts and bodysuits--my favorite being a reinterpretation of his classic "cage," in a maillot worn with a long pareo-style skirt; his beautiful suiting, including a few pieces in leather, his usual take on the Le Smoking and an incredible jacket and trousers in wool with fine pinstripes of sheer mesh inset. Another thing I adored were the high waisted suspender pants worn with demi-sheer wrap blouses.

The collection itself wasn't really well received by the press, but I think it's absolutely beautiful and a welcome return to form. It's not as in-your-face as his work in the late 80s/early 90s, but it has the same spirit that makes me love Jean Paul Gaultier.

Of course, not only were the clothes beautiful but the shoes, as usual, are to die for... And I'd kill for the black metal mesh messenger bag. Hopefully it'll be under $1,000... I can dream, can't I?