Jean Paul Gaultier’s First Exhibition In Dubai Opens To The World At Expo 2020
The ‘enfant terrible’ of haute couture, whose clothes have been immortalised by the likes of Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Madonna opens a temporary exhibition in Dubai…
On February 28, the fashion crowd gathered at the France Pavilion to celebrate the opening of Jean Paul Gaultier’s new temporary exhibition titled, ‘Jean Paul Gaultier, from A to Z.’ Gaultier – ever so charismatic and warm – was in attendance himself, having made his first trip to Dubai to mark the occasion. He was accompanied by the exhibition’s curator, Thierry-Maxime Loriot. This is Loriot’s 17th exhibition on the inimitable designer.
Sustainability being one of the key pillars of Expo 2020, it was important that the exhibition be entirely recyclable. In fact, each element of the show was consciously thought out so as to reduce its environmental impact – right down to how the clothes were packed and shipped to Dubai. Once Expo 2020 officially ends on March 31, the exhibition will be dismantled and will travel to Marseille, France.
Spanning the designer’s 50 year career, the exhibition features key pieces each speaking to Gaultier’s various influences from his favourite films, to his travels, to his grandmother and even to everyday objects, such as kitchenware. On display are pieces that have been worn by Nicole Kidman, Georgina Rodriguez and Dita Von Teese. Supermodels and performers with attitude, who embodied female empowerment were important sources of inspiration for Gaultier, whose creations channelled a timeless ideal of feminine strength. In fact, one such supermodel, Farida Khelfa was on site on Sunday to show her steadfast support for the designer.
Gaultier was always one to grasp the air du temps, or the zeitgeist of the times, and he did not shy away from challenging societal norms. Today, he is proud to see how his designs (think Madonna’s iconic cone bra) have crystallised in our visual culture. And although he bid adieu to the runway in 2020, he is keen to welcome us into his archives, with the hope that his work will continue to inspire the next generation of creatives to keep championing tolerance and acceptance.
Exhibition dates: February 28 – March 31
Location: France Pavilion, Expo 2020
For more information, please visit francedubai2020.com
Lead image courtesy of France Expo 2020/@guillaume.argento