Jean Paul Gaultier balances futuristic military and traditional feminine glamour in his autumn/winter namesake collection.

Jean Paul Gaultier’s autumn/winter collection had a distinct air of contradiction. Contrasting textures, styles and cuts, which would have been otherwise looked unfavourably disjointed, united effortlessly under the helm of the Gaultier name. Harsh, military jackets and strong linear cuts paired off with coy, off-the-shoulder cuts, luxurious furs and flowing sheers skirts. The dark, moody colour palette also seamlessly blended the disparate looks, with swaths of oxblood, dark purple, greys and blacks adding a certain – dare we say it? –

sophistication to the collection.

Sequential block patterns invaded form-fitting dresses, studded leather jackets trespassed on whimsical sheer skirts, brass metallic golds and silvers usurped sleek feminine suits, and a floor-length deep purple sheer gown accepted the rule of jagged, linear black piping. It would seem in the land of Gaultier, juxtaposing futuristic, military Amazonian women with the glamorous, but traditional, femme fatale isn’t just rule of law – it’s plain common sense.

Words: Elise Marraro (follow Elise on Twitter: PardonMe_Lissie)
Images: Harry Carr