The famous famous fashion designer confided in us about his favourite trips and holiday destinations but also about his show "Le Fashion Freak Show" at the Folies BERGÈRE from 2 October 2018 in Paris. Meeting with an exciting man!
You travel a lot for work but when it's personal where do you like to go?
My landmark is Saint-Jean-de-Luz. I have family in Lot-et-Garonne. As a child, I used to go on holidays a lot in the southwest of France with my grandmother who went to Dax to do thermal cures and sometimes I could accompany her. I remember that bullfights fascinated me and I absolutely wanted to attend, but my grandmother didn't want to. I was forced to go in secret and waited to see the bullfighters' entrance and their "traje de luz". The Basque Coast is really a beautiful place, which brings back many memories and makes me feel good
What kind of traveller are you?
I read a lot of magazines and look at some travel guides but I really prefer to be advised by my friends or relatives who know the places I want to visit. And above all I love surprises, that's what makes a trip magical! To sum up, I would say a little organization and a good dose of improvisation and discovery!
Which country has impressed you the most?
Without hesitation England! And especially London, which I frequented a lot in my youth. I first went there in the early 1970s. There was really a sense of freedom in the London air; it was the pre-punk period. I was able to see the Rocky Horror Show at the theatre before it became the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I saw the emergence of movement and punk fashion, I even wanted to move to London but my work and life were in Paris.
Which trips have inspired you particularly for your collections?
It's true that I travel a lot. I was very inspired by my visits to Mexico, Japan, China and Spain. However, I don't like to make too literal interpretations of local folklore, I always try to propose my vision, my own interpretation of what I have seen. I recently took inspiration from Brittany for a couture collection, with skirts in the shape of crepe, black and gold embroideries and hair curlers... But I also make imaginary journeys through films, TV or books. I once took inspiration from the movie Avatar for a couture show. My vocation as a fashion designer was born, following the discovery of Jacques Becker's film Falbalas, in which Micheline Presle fell in love with a fashion designer played by Raymond Rouleau....
Recently you were in Lisbon for Eurovision, what do you think of this city?
I know Lisbon well, but I hadn't been there in a long time. I was delighted to return on that occasion. I visited the Azulejos Museum, which I loved and of course I ate the famous pasteis from Belém! I strongly recommend you to go to the 100 Maneiras restaurant run by a young Bosnian chef Ljubomir Stanisic, where you can eat divinely well!
Can you tell us more about the "Fashion Freak show", your back-to-school show?
It's an idea I had for a really long time, since I discovered the world of entertainment with a review of the Folies Bergère broadcast on television when I was 9 years old. Today I am making one of my dreams come true, since this show is the story of my life, the things I have experienced, seen and claimed. I will of course talk about the backstage of fashion, plastic surgery, I will also pay tribute to personalities who inspired me and in addition to the Folies Bergère the historical temple of the magazine! This is the first show where I'm in charge of everything! Fortunately, I am surrounded by a great team: my friend Tonie Marshall co-signs the direction, Marion Motin the choreography, Nile Rodgers the music! And above all, I have about fifteen talented artists on stage ready to perform all kinds of creatures.
Why this rather unexpected show title?
We're all a little bit of freaks, aren't we? I've never stopped at a form of beauty. I want to show the differences, that there is beauty everywhere, it all depends on how you look at it. I've always liked freaks, weird people, aesthetics that mix. I wanted this transgressive energy to be on stage and in the title of my show!
When you are in Paris, what are your good addresses and tips on fashion?
I buy more often abroad than in Paris. I like going to Saint Laurent and of course the brand Comme des Garçons. I think that in reality what I like most is dressing others, after all I don't spend much time choosing clothes for myself.
Jean-Paul Gaultier's "Fashion Freak Show
Eccentric, provocative, and funny, Jean-Paul Gaultier invents a new kind of show between magazine and fashion show. As an author, director and set designer, he takes a tender and offbeat look at his time and invites us behind the scenes of his universe.
From 2 October 2018 - 32, rue Richer - 75009 Paris- www.foliesbergere.com - Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm. 2:30 with intermission - From 39 e
