Jean Paul Gaultier: The Exhibitionist [Slideshow]

It’s not surprising that iconic fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier has his own art exhibit. Known for fashioning Madonna‘s infamous cone bras from her 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour as well as making it stylish for men to wear skirts, Gaultier has been thinking out-of-the-box for decades. Long before Project Runway asked contestants to manufacture clothes from unconventional materials, Gaultier was experimenting with vinyl, Lycra, neoprene, 3-D fabrics, and even inflatables to achieve his futuristic reality. His unique runway shows often include outfitting models like walking installations.

Now the world of the eclectic and mischievous French designer is going on tour thanks to The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. It’s currently at the Dallas Museum of Art through February 12, 2012 before traveling to San Francisco, Madrid, Rotterdam, and Stockholm. The multimedia exhibition, which was originally produced by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, includes approximately 130 avant-garde ensembles from over 35 years of couture and ready-to-wear collections, along with accessories and archival documents, much of it showcased without any protective glass. Gaultier’s provocative and innovative designs are displayed in six thematic sections, while 30 animated talking mannequins have also been incorporated into the experience. There’s even an accompanying 424-page catalogue featuring interviews with friends of the designer. Here are just some of things to expect from the fantastic realm of Gaultier.


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