Fashion Show Episode 5: Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2014 Haute Couture Paris

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Fashion Show Episode 5: Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2014 Haute Couture Paris feat. Dita Von Tees

Dita Von Teese Cannes 2007
Dita Von Teese Cannes 2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
French designer Jean Paul Gaultier had butterflies on the brain for his spring 2014 haute couture collection. From literal interpretations decorated across sheer tops to the more subtle like winged dresses, it was a celebration of the beautiful creature. Gaultier did not stick exclusively to the theme. A decorated denim vest and curve-hugging pencil skit look worn by Joan Smalls, or a show girl, flapper chic dress adorned with glittering chains also hit the catwalk.

Transmogrification is an interesting theme for haute couture -- especially given the plastic surgery evident in the front row -- but Gaultier's hand was heavy. Leaden, even. The technique in his clothes was formidable, sometimes so great as to rescue them from the overriding, overpowering and overwrought themes. Simple black crepe dresses sliced open at the shoulders to form winged sleeves were chic. And, when pushed to the zenith of decoration, even some of that Crazy Horse showgirl shtick stuck, although not when it came to the towering Ziegfeld headpieces.

By the time Dita Von Teese darted out in a corset with butterfly markings, you felt you were witnessing not the fluttering birth of new life but a trite, tired form of couture in its death throes.

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Jean-Paul Gaultier
Jean-Paul Gaultier (Photo credit: Wikipedia)