Jean Paul Gaultier paid a homage to the old days of Haute Couture by leaving out the obligatory soundtrack. With total quiet as a backdrop, the only sound you could hear as the models came and went on the runway was the voice of Catherine Deneuve reading out look descriptions written by Paquita Paquin.
Cabaret meets punk, you could say of Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011 Haute Couture collection. But it was so much more. The collection was an eclectic mix of all things chic. True, all the models were styled with punk hair and cabaret-esque fishnet stockings. But then you also had some of them seductively holding a cigarette mouthpiece, so typical of the 20’s.
In a mood for some Ethnic motifs? You got it. An abstract play on leopard patterns in a reddish navy combination comprised some of the pieces. And a lonesome bright Ikat print suit in yellows, reds, purples and greens appeared mid show.
Gaultier, of course, couldn’t leave out references to his signature sailor stripes. Be it in a horizontal satin bands arrangement -repeating throughout the collection or the more literal white and navy tiered ruffles gown – it surely deserved a standing ovation.
Stiff Matador-esque boleros on long lean silhouettes and interpretations on traditional Flamenco wear closed show. Well, in fact, what really closed the show was a cabaret dance by a Crazy Horse dancer Psykko Tico.
