Jean-Paul Gaultier is a French fashion designer. Self-taught, he started as a design assistant for Pierre Cardin in 1970. His first independent collection was shown in 1976. Gaultier is known for his streetwear-inspired ready-to-wear (he did not do couture until the 1990s) and his gender-bending approach; in his early years, he was often called the enfant terrible of French fashion.
In addition to designing for his own labels, Jean-Paul Gaultier has been creative director at Hermès since 2003.
Fragrances were introduced in 1993 with Jean-Paul Gaultier, later known as Classique. Le Mâle followed in 1995, Fragile in 1999. All three were known for their unusual compositions and innovative packaging.
Limited editions of Classique & Le Male
Jean-Paul Gaultier releases limited editions of Classique & Le Mâle in which the torso-shaped bottles are decorated or “dressed” for the season. Starting in 2010, Ma Dame joined the mix. Some recent versions: Summer 2005, Summer 2006, Kilt Collector Edition 2006, Valentine’s Day 2007, Summer 2007, Le Male Scuba Edition 2007, Summer 2008, Summer 2009, Summer 2010.
Recent fragrances from Jean-Paul Gaultier
Recent releases include Gaultier2, aka Gaultier to the power of two (2005), Fleur du Male (2007), Gaultier2 Eau d’Amour (2008), La Cologne Fleur du Male (2008), Monsieur Eau du Matin (2008), Ma Dame (2008), Ma Dame Eau Fraiche (2009), Classique X (2010), Le Mâle Terrible (2010), L’Extrait Classique X (2010).
Where to buy
The Jean-Paul Gaultier fragrance line can be found at department stores and online fragrance discounters.
Website
Further reading
See all articles on Now Smell This tagged Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Read The Way We Live Now: 07-08-01: Questions for Jean-Paul Gaultier; An Artist? Moi? and The Triumph of the Repressed, both at the New York Times.
