He has built one of the most well-known, well-respected and boundary-pushing brands in fashion. He has hosted a television show, released a dance single, and created perfume worn by men and women all the way from France to Australia. He famously collaborated with Madonna for her Blonde Ambition tour, and has designed costumes for motion pictures including The Fifth Element. Now, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Fashion Industry Boadcast’s own Master of Fashion, will take us to the ballet, designing the costumes for France’s Ballet Preljocaj’s Snow White.
Excited? You should be. This opulent French Ballet is making its way to Brisbane in September for an exclusive run at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Lyric Theatre. Choreographed by Angelin Preljocaj, the dancers will take to the stage on huge, elaborate sets, designed by Thierry Leproust. The icing on the cake of course will be Gaultier’s costumes, inspired by Preljocaj’s vision of a sexy Snow White.
In his interview with Vogue, Gaultier described how he reimagined the story and characters: “I saw the prince as a torero [Spanish for bullfighter], the seven dwarfs were seven monks who are also mountain climbers.” His wicked stepmother sketch was comparatively easier, envisioned immediately and remaining unchanged throughout the process.
Finding the balance between practicality and aesthetics can be challenging for designers, no less haute couture ones, however Gaultier is experienced when it comes to working for the stage. Knowing that the dancers must be able to perform intricate moves and leaps is a crucial note for ballet costumes.
Gaultier credits working closely with the choreographer to allowing his vision to come to life. “I know what it means to dance in the costume”, he explains of the compromise, “but at the same time a choreographer can find a solution for a difficult costume.”
His website talks of his love for the arts, which was founded as a young boy and his desire to tell stories through fashion. It’s true that fashion, art and performance have always crossed over, with the visuals lending to the story-telling aspect. Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan costumes were designed with Swarovski crystals and The Australian Ballet’s most recent Sleeping Beauty, choreographed by David McAllister had costumes that weighed approximately five kilograms each. Gabriela Tylesova’s designs were so detailed that individual flower designs were crafted and applied onto garments. The show was applauded for these stunning and intricate designs, which resulted in a glittering world inspired by 17th-century Baroque.
For Gaultier, keeping his signature style while maintaining the integrity of the story is the key to his success. Always daring to push the boundaries and leap further into imaginative realms, Gaultier’s contribution with Preljocaj’s Snow White is set to be spectacular. Catch it at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre from September 2 – 11 and learn more about Gaultier in Fashion Industry Broadcast’s Masters of Fashion Paris Edition.
