Jean Paul Gaultier makes his cinema in Lacoste with an exhibition of his film costumes

In total, around twenty outfits are on display at the Scad Fash, fashion and cinema museum, until September 30, 2024. They tell a cross story of cinematic glamour.

Jean Paul Gaultier left the catwalks to move to the Lacoste cinema and fashion museum (Vaucluse). Until September 30, 2024, the exhibition “CinéMode by Jean Paul Gaultier” retraces his passion for cinema, the films that inspired him and the emblematic costumes made for the 7th art.

A passion that he owes to Falbalasa 1945 film directed by Jean Becker starring Micheline Presle and Raymond Rouleau. Jean Paul Gaultier was only 13 years old at the time. “That showed the life of a fashion designer and a love story. I liked the whole atmosphere, that’s when I started drawing.” he confides.

Through photos, films and around twenty major pieces, the Lacoste museum retrospective explores the reciprocal influences of fashion and cinema that have marked his work. “Cinema is like fashion, it changes with the times and society, it’s a reflection of all the changes.”A Clockwork Orange is a film that had a big impact on me.”he assures

Extravagant and cinephile

Throughout his career as a designer, Jean Paul Gaultier embraced all the arts. Dance, music and cinema are inspiring territories for the enfant terrible of fashion. The greatest directors do not hesitate to call on his extravagance. Pedro Almodóvar requested him as costume designer on three films (Kika, Bad education, The skin I live in), as did British director Peter Greenaway.

In 1997, Luc Besson ordered a hundred costumes from him for The fifth Element which will allow him to obtain a nomination for the César. “In the exhibition, we understand how his cinephilia is very diverse in terms of cinematographic genres, in terms of stories, we often have films that depict changes in society with strong and transgressive characters,” explains Laurence Tisso, curator of the exhibition.

For nearly 50 years, Jean Paul Gaultier has been breaking the rules of decorum, shaking up the norms of gender and good taste, both in cinema and in fashion. Alongside his famous sailor shirts, the exhibition presents his iconic costumes designed for the tour Blond Ambition by Madonna in 1990. Her famous pointed pink corset left an indelible mark on popular culture, it will tour the world. An incredible idea also born in his earliest childhood. “I started with my bear to which I added the first conical breasts”, reveals the designer.

“CinéMode Jean Paul Gaultier” exhibition at the Scad Fash museum in Lacoste until September 30, 2024. Open every day except Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Price: €5