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CHAPTER #1
THE BACK STORY OF
THIS CULT PERFUME
ALL THE WOMEN IN HIS LIFE
From the very moment it was launched, Classique enjoyed enormous success. The whole world fell under the spell of this addictive, joyous perfume that resembled its famous creator: Jean Paul Gaultier. The enfant terrible of fashion was at the height of his fame and art. All eyes were on him and his gleefully defiant collections. More than just clothes, Jean Paul Gaultier created a new era. A liberated, sexy and revolutionary era! An era that he wanted to capture with his first perfume: Classique.
Jean Paul Gaultier saw it as the essence of his life and desires. A delicious fusion of souvenirs and obsessions, and a joyous ode to all the women who had influenced him. From his beloved grandmother to Madonna, and icons from his childhood to punk rebels from the Palace night club. All those women who inspired him with the image of a powerful, liberated woman who asserts herself as much as she enjoys herself. Without apology.
In short, the complete opposite of a “classic” woman. A little bit provocative, Jean Paul? Totally!
FRAGRANCE NOTES INSPIRED BY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
To trace the origins of this perfume, we have to go back to Jean Paul’s childhood. Fashion’s wild child was raised by his grandmother — Mémé Marie. She was an exceptional, loving woman who taught him the importance of being himself, and introduced him to a world full of fun and pleasure.
Fragrant pleasures came first. When he opened the drawers of her dressing table the escaping scents of rice powder and nail polish thrilled and aroused his imagination. Years later, the memories of these childhood fragrances continued to inspire and comfort him. It was also in Mémé Marie’s home that he first saw the Folies Bergère cabaret show on television. He would spend whole days drawing these heroines on his school desk rather than listening to the teacher.
All those fabulous feathers and extravagant costumes — what freedom! It was a real eye-opener. The young Jean Paul had a lot of fun trying to recreate the costumes on his teddy and first muse: Nana. And it was on Nana that he first experimented with what would become his greatest design of all — conical breasts!
AN OLFACTORY SHOW
As an adult, Jean Paul Gaultier no longer paid homage to the famous Parisian cabarets on his teddy, but in the fashion collections that made him a worldwide star. And not just for his clothing collections! Still inspired by the Folies Bergère, Jean Paul Gaultier saw his fashion shows as real shows, as spectacular and joyful as those that thrilled and inspired him as a child. So when he created his first perfume, he had only one idea in mind — to put on the greatest show!
And with Classique, the designer staged his first major olfactory extravaganza. He had just one desire: to capture his childhood memories and spread joy! In this coquettish show, he choreographed deliciously sensual retro notes of orange blossom, ginger and vanilla. A cabaret for the senses — even the eyes!
A NOW CULT BOTTLE
With Classique, Jean Paul Gaultier brought to life a showgirl that the public instantly fell in love with: an iconic bottle of a sculpted woman wearing her legendary corset. This glass star, inspired by the dress forms used by fashion designers, has become as famous as the perfume it contains. Thirty years on, this highly desirable object is finally ready to reveal a few of its secrets.
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DISCOVER PERFUMES FOR WOMEN
BY JEAN PAUL GAULTIER
Women might just be Jean Paul Gaultier's greatest inspiration, both in terms of his fashion designs and his fragrances. Whether they’re incredibly sexy, slightly androgynous, downright dominating or simply chic, he loves them all! For him, the essence of femininity is not about looks, but confidence. So, when he created his fragrances for women, from the legendary Classique to the feisty Scandal, Jean Paul Gaultier was focused on one thing... bringing out the natural strength of women.
STAY TUNED
See you soon for the next chapter and a glimpse behind the scenes of this Classique fragrance.
