11 Interesting Facts About Jean Paul Gaultier

Do you want to learn interesting facts about Jean Paul Gaultier?

Jean Paul Gaultier was born in the French town of Arcueil, some 5 kilometers from Paris, on 24 April 1952.

He is a French fashion designer whose controversial collections in the late 20th century and early 21st century commemorated androgyny, mixed street fashions with haute couture, and put together other cultural elements that seemed to go against each other.

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Throughout his career, Gaultier worked to change how people thought about social groups and show how fashion could show and hide those groups.

He is also the founder of the House of Gaultier and its first designer and worked as a Creative Director for Hermès from 2003 until 2010. His designs have often been provocative, including his use of mime artists in his runway shows.

He is also known for using bizarre materials such as razor blades and sponges in some of his collections.

To know more, check out the following fun facts about Jean Paul Gaultier.

11 Interesting Facts About Jean Paul Gaultier

1. Granny’s closet was his first inspiration

Jean Paul Gaultier’s grandmother was also a designer who had a very distinct style.

She was one of the first people to make clothes for women that were fashionable but also practical. Her closet was full of clothes that were all different: from evening gowns to pantsuits to jumpsuits—and everything in between.

When Gaultier dressed as a child, he would choose from his grandmother’s collection because each had its unique flair. This is how he got his inspiration for designing clothes himself.

By dressing up as an adult or child, he could see how different styles work together on people who are taller or shorter than you might expect them to be based on their height alone.

2. He has always been fascinated by clothing, even as a child

As a child, Jean Paul Gaultier was fascinated by clothing and started sewing at age eight. He also loved dressing up in his mother’s clothes and often wore them as a prank on other children. This led to him creating his own designs when he was older.

At 14 years old, Jean-Paul moved out of his parents’ home and into an apartment where he could paint pictures of himself standing next to nude women (a style known as “sketchies”).

3. He had open-minded parents

The Gaultier family was not what you would call traditional French. It was a very open-minded family, which is why Jean Paul’s parents allowed him to wear makeup when he was young. They weren’t religious or conservative in any way, so they were never going to be bothered by their son’s choice of clothing or makeup.

The fact that Gaultier’s parents were so liberal may have had something to do with why he became an artist at such an early age — he didn’t want anyone else telling him how to dress or act like a grownup!

4. He is labeled “L’Enfant terrible”

Gaultier is often referred to as “L’Enfant terrible.” This nickname comes from his reputation for making outrageous, shocking designs that push the boundaries of fashion. 

He has been called this because he makes clothes and accessories that are entirely different from anything else on the market today.

Gaultier’s clothing may be unconventional, but it’s also very popular with people who like things that stand out from their peers and will buy them anyway.

5. He worked as an assistant to the fashion designer Pierre Cardin

Gaultier’s first job was as an assistant to the fashion designer Pierre Cardin. He worked for Cardin from 1974 to 1976, during which time he learned how to sew and make clothes. 

Gaultier described his time at Pierre Cardin as “a great education,” adding that he learned so much from working there that it was difficult for him to imagine doing anything else with his life.

Gaultier went on to become an independent designer in 1976 at age 24. However, he continued work with Pierre Cardin until 1983, when he left the company entirely.

6. He created Madonna’s infamous conical bra for her Blonde Ambition tour in 1990

Jean Paul Gaultier was hired by Madonna to design her stage costumes for her 1990 Blonde Ambition tour.

The conical bra was made from black lace and satin, with a plunging neckline that exposed the singer’s breasts. It was designed to be worn with a black leather corset and a garter belt.

7. He hosted a TV show called Eurotrash

You might be surprised to learn that Jean Paul Gaultier was a TV host. He hosted an English TV show called Eurotrash, which ran for 10 years and was a hit with viewers. 

The show centered around the fashion industry, how it works, and what goes on behind closed doors.

The show featured interviews with designers, models, and other celebrities alike. His catchphrase was “I’m so happy!” when he interviewed someone who had just been given some great news or complimented their work by someone else in their industry.

8. He designed dresses for a lot of films

For Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour, he designed a number of costumes and sets, including “Like a Prayer” (which he also directed), “Oh Father,” and “Frozen.” He also designed the stage set for The Fifth Element, which starred Milla Jovovich as Leeloo.

Gaultier has worked with Quentin Tarantino on several occasions: he created costumes for Kill Bill: Volumes 1 & 2, Jackie Brown (with whom Tarantino co-wrote), From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman’s Daughter (co-starring DMX), and Django Unchained; plus he designed outfits for the latter’s stars Jamie Foxx and Leonardo DiCaprio.

He also created original garments for the movie Moulin Rouge! starring Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, and Colin Firth. Designing outfits for Baz Luhrmann’s production of Romeo + Juliet was one of his earliest experiences working with film directors.

9. He doesn’t like the idea of getting old

Gaultier is a bit of a recluse, so it’s hard to get an idea of how he feels about aging and death. However, he admits to having a love-hate relationship with getting older. 

He hates how he looks in the mirror but loves being an artist — and artists are often known for aging gracefully (like Picasso).

Gaultier also says: “I think when you’re old-fashioned or conservative, people look at those things as a mark against me because they think that I’m more interested in looking pretty than doing something important.”

10. Gaultier became famous for his out-of-the-box models

Gaultier is known for his bold casting decisions, which have included using a variety of non-model models (such as opera singers and ballerinas), models with disabilities, models with different body types and ethnicities, and even a model who was born in the year 2077!

He has also cast older women in his shows — a rarity in fashion circles!

11. He has his own wax figure in Grevin Museum

You may know him as the designer of fashion’s most famous dresses. Still, Jean Paul Gaultier has been a significant figure in art since he was a teenager. In fact, he has his own wax figure at the Grevin Museum in Paris, France. 

The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It features works by some of Europe’s most significant artists, like Picasso and Chagall, and pieces by other designers, such as Elsa Schiaparelli or Yves Saint Laurent.

The wax sculpture was created by sculptor Philippe Daverio who also made figures for Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, which can be seen worldwide.