Gaultier Spring Summer 2013 Haute Couture

Jean Paul Gaultier: An Explosion of Color and the Week’s Best Surprise Ending

The Jean Paul Gaultier spring summer 2013 haute couture collection virtually exploded with patterns and color at the brilliant French designer’s Jan. 23 presentation at his atelier in Paris.

Taking inspiration from India, Gaultier delivered gypsy gowns, patchwork pants, stripes, ruffles, fringes, golden panels and sheer veils. Famous for designing exaggerated underthings beloved by, among others, Madonna, of course there were corsets and cone bras, too.

Without a doubt, this show had the week’s best surprise ending in a week full of surprise endings. While Chanel offered two brides and Stephane Rolland chose glamorous 81-year old Carmen Dell’Orefice, Gaultier brought down the house when his bride lifted her hoop skirt to reveal four hidden youngsters, who promptly ran down the runway.

At the show’s close, Gaultier, too, bounced down the runway, ending the show on a fun, extra-high note.

Catherine Deneuve sat beside the runway, paying faithful attention to the show as she always does. Also on scene were Spanish actress Paz Vega and noted director Abel Ferrara.

To read my story in the “All the Rage” section of the Los Angeles Times, click here.

Another great moment for me came a day later at the SIDAction benefit for AIDS, when I had the opportunity to congratulate Gaultier on his new collection. That picture is in the gallery below, along with lots of photos of his magnificent new gowns and ensembles.

Top photo: The bride in her Indian-inspired bridal gown with Jean Paul Gaultier at the Gaultier spring summer 2013 haute couture show (photo: P. Stable, courtesy of Gaultier Paris)

Bottom photo: The bride lifted her skirt to reveal four colorfully-clad children who ran down the runway at the Gaultier spring summer 2013 haute couture show (photo: P. Stable, courtesy of Gaultier Paris)