Wednesday, July 31, 2013

I listen to Bowie, got a problem?


Big cats and big hair seemed to be the theme of Jean Paul Gaultier's Fall 2013 Couture Collection. Animal prints and fur have never really been my thing, but I have to say that some of the animal print looks were a hit (neutral toned outfits with light detailed print touches and trims) but some were a miss (head to toe animal print and a hot pink leopard print cape). I think that the collection did a pretty good job of capturing the mentality that is used in conjunction with animal prints which is fierce, strong, powerful women by using the mostly effective 80s-power-suit silhouettes and others that looked strict and austere while maintaining an Aura of french chic elegance and femininity.



The animal motif was used to the fullest extent until the collection slowly shifted to a theme of "rich". Rich textures (velvet, tulle, leather, chiffon) rich colors that complemented the earlier animal prints, and flowing silhouettes. Eventually the bold colors and designs overpowered the last remnants of the animal print theme (prints popping up on leggings, hats and hair) in some looks that certainly toed the line in terms of attention-grabbing vs attention-seeking.


My overall favorite thing about the collection was definitely the exceptional styling which as usual was found in the little things that may not be noticed upon first sight, elbow length gloves, cone shaped hats, and tulle scarves. Sometimes the problem with accessories in a collection is that they are overused which ends up drawing attention away from the main look. But the difference in this collection is that they complemented the clothing and added to the mood.
some of my favorite looks
This collection was definitely different from what I have come to expect from past Jean Paul Gaultier collections if only because of the exaggerated silhouettes that were on the verge of comical. And I think that was the point. The circus was a source of inspiration that was constantly hinted at in this collection. The colorful designs, the cone shaped hats, and the animal prints (big cats at the circus). Another obvious source of inspiration for John Paul Gaultier was the "David Bowie Is" show which the designer visited in London. Bowie's work inspired him so that he even used Bowie song titles as names for looks in his collection. Very subtle Jean Paul Gaultier. Very subtle.

Later lovelies,
K

1 comment:

  1. OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE THIS COLLECTION MORE THAN LIFE
    AND I LOVE DAVID BOWIE MORE THAN MY EXISTENCE
    this is too perfect

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