Gaultier celebrates differences | Jean Paul Gaultier

GAULTIER CELEBRATES DIFFERENCES

For 50 years, fearlessness, freedom and joie de vivre have been core JPG values. Creativity provides a limitless realm for self-expression in which the diverse nature of Gaultier’s approach to aesthetics can be showcased. Creativity is also a realm for commitments in which Jean Paul Gaultier can share his convictions, stances and views of society. Whether it concerns fashion or fragrances, for JPG there is no such thing as creativity without a message, without subversion and without controversy.

A RADICAL VISION OF PERFUME-MAKING

Fashion’s wild child has always enjoyed pushing the boundaries between the feminine and the masculine. Gaultier has created a range of original and powerful fragrances that boldly combine masculine and feminine perfume notes. Lavender and vanilla for Le Male, pear for Ultra Male and brown caramel for Scandal pour Homme. JPG loves to flout convention and celebrate the alchemy of genders as with Gaultier², an inclusive, nonconformist unisex fragrance designed for everyone. In 2005, Jean-Paul Gaultier declared “the sensuality of skin to be universal”— this was no utopia.

As for his instantly recognisable bottles, they embody his unconventional cast of characters — the tattooed ‘Le Male’ sailor, the mythical ‘Classique’ woman, the seductively virile ‘Le Beau’, the sultry ‘La Belle’ temptress, the ring-savvy ‘Scandal pour Homme’ bad boy, and the assertively sassy ‘Scandal’ woman.

What is Gaultier’s unique touch? All of his fragrances contain a generous dose of humour and provocation!
There is only one rule and that is to create inclusive fragrances that are not afraid to flout convention.

LIBERTY,

DIVERSITY,

GAULTIER

Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances are genuine products of self-expression. These creations are the standard-bearers of JPG's commitment to the LGBTQIA+ cause, to local communities, and to mainstream and underground artistic circles. From the beginning, JPG has led the way with regard to diversity and gender equality. Masculine women and men as JPG objects challenge stereotypes and conventions. Men wearing skirts, powerful women wearing corsets and sailor tops for everyone... Everyone is represented in JPG’s unconventional and militant artistic vision. He creativity is a universal rallying cry bridging the arts and cultures, all sensibilities and all communities.

Trailblazer Jean Paul Gaultier incorporated queer imagery, ideas and aesthetics into his designs early on thus helping to normalise certain perceptions. JPG’s commitments are reflected in his ‘PRIDE’ limited editions, where each year, Classique and Le Male sport the colours of Pride and proclaim the freedom to be who you are. JPG’s commitment to diversity can also be seen in the ongoing support for grassroots voluntary associations, such as Cogam, The Center, ARC, Le Refuge, IPP LGBT+ and many others.

DIFFERENT IS BEAUTIFUL

Jean-Paul Gaultier celebrates all identities, playing with codes and norms to hijack, transform and reinvent them. What is the philosophy underpinning his universe? Different is beautiful. When it comes to perfume-making, JPG creates iconoclastic, unconventional fragrances aimed at a diverse, colourful, vibrant world on the move. JPG likes to challenge gender, orientations, aesthetics and age. Mixing styles and cultures is a Gaultier leitmotif and a fundamental element of his artistic approach. From the outset, Jean Paul Gaultier has always loved atypical beauties and non-standard body types. The designer has worked with drag queens, transgender models, buxom models and unconventional beauties. All body types and all genders are invited to the JPG party. In keeping with his image, his first advert was militant and bold: “Nonconformist designer seeks atypical models. Facial disfigurements welcome.”

Particularly influenced by tattoo parlours, but also by the performances of body art artists, JP became interested in cultures where body modifications are rituals in their own right. Tattoos and piercings are identifiable elements of Gaultier's DNA and can be seen in his collections and many of his prints.
“I love and admire anyone who is different. I love that. Good taste is banal. Eccentricity is chic. Good taste paralyses. But punk or street fashion or a tattoo-covered body, that is interesting to me, and that I love.” Jean-Paul Gaultier.