Jean Paul Gaultier has released its latest collection, “TATTOO,” in a nostalgic nod to the early ‘00s. In 2009, Gaultier released a series of hand-traced body art pieces, and for the 2023 reissue, he tapped Omahyra Mota and Mia Kidis for the release, which recreates the imagery from the brand’s Fall/Winter 2002 runway show.
The collection is set to drop in two skin tones, fitting close to the body, with hyper-realistic breasts and decorated with Japanese-inspired artwork. References to Gaultier’s classic looks are seen through corsets and mini-skirts, which feel like a poignant nod to the French designer’s haute looks from yesteryear.
Gaultier founded his eponymous label in 1976 and held his first runway show in Paris in the same year. He carved a name for himself as the designer who went against the grain, challenging notions of gender and drawing inspiration from influences outside of fashion, such as punk. These non-conformist attitudes were seen in the brand’s couture offerings, which used a range of materials, including leather and PVC, as part of displays of liberated sexuality.
Florence Tétier took to the helm in 2021 and perfectly balances the brand’s unflinchingly cool history whilst injecting a sense of “now” that keeps the brand on the radar of culturally fashion-conscious consumers.
Not only being able to reference its past, Jean Paul Gaultier remains relevant to today’s generation, championing the new school through collaborations with London’s KNWLS last month. As part of the London-meets-Paris collection, a nude tattoo top was released, with leggings and sleeve-ink options released too.
The collection is available to shop now from jeanpaulgaultier.com and select stores.
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Photo Credit: Sharna Osborne / Jean Paul Gaultier©
