Gaultier, Jean-Paul

(1952- )

   Born near Paris in the suburb of Arcueil, Gaultier served apprenticeships at Pierre Cardin and Jean Patou, which provided a solid foundation. He presented his first collection in 1978. In the 1980s, he was known as the designer who emphasized broad shoulders and narrow hips. But perhaps he is best known for his obsession with gender—he would put men in skirts and have women wear underwear on the outside, and he was the force behind Madonna's conical bra. He is known by his rebellious antics such as his participation in the TV series Eurotrash and poking fun at the Parisian bourgeoisie. In 1997, Gaultier made his couture debut and, in 2003, he was appointed creative director at Hermès. In 2004, he launched a young denim and sportswear line. Gaultier's latest innovation is a makeup line for men, which he pioneered in 2004; his eyewear collection launched in 2006. Gaultier also has a fragrance.

   See also Haute Couture.