Jean Paul Gaultier – Fashion Freak Show (Paris)

I was lucky enough to see the enfant terrible (or should it be grand-pere now) of French fashion Jean Paul Gaultier in conversation with model Erin O’Connor at Vogue Festival in 2015. His life story fascinated me – his grandmother piqued his interest in fashion as a child and he started designing at an early age (he started working for Pierre Cardin at 18). His avant-garde designs have always shocked and delighted fans and critics, as well as his use of unconventional models on the runway challenging ideal body image and masculinity. I also loved his exhibition, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier at the Barbican in 2014 which brought together iconic pieces including Madonna’s conical bra and corsets and stage costumes for Kylie (the mannequins had faces of actors projected onto them – it was highly cool just as you would expect). 

When I heard that he had created a show which tells his life story – Fashion Freak Show at Folies Bergeres I literally freaked out and knew I had to go. A cross between a revue and a fashion show, the spectacle charts his childhood and early career to his most fantastic shows, wild nights across the world and pays tribute to those who have inspired him (Madonna and Kylie amongst many others). Actors, dancers and circus artists play larger than life characters and invite us behind the scenes into his magical, stylish world.