Endeavoring to tear down gender stereotypes and sartorial norms on the catwalk, making underwear outerwear, putting men in skirts and models of all shapes and sizes on the runway, Jean Paul Gaultier has created wildly provocative, transformational designs for day dresses, gowns, tops and other garments that draw on numerous influences and boldly merge haute couture with street sensibility.
An only child raised in the suburbs of Paris, Gaultier didn’t have a formal fashion education. But he loved to sketch and was drawn to clothing, citing the corsets in his maternal grandmother’s closet as having a formative impact on his creative direction. He’s said that some of his earliest fashion work was for his teddy bear, and later he would send his sketches to designers he revered, including Pierre Cardin.
Gaultier began his career in 1970 as an assistant to Cardin, who admired the sketches the 18-year-old had sent for his appraisal. After Gaultier had his first runway show in 1976, featuring unconventional statements like pairing motorcycle jackets with ballerina skirts, it didn’t take long for his star to rise.
Gaultier's playful but exquisitely crafted reimaginings of classic Parisian styles — the striped mariner shirt, the trench coat — soon became recurring themes of his eponymous house, which he founded with his life partner and business associate Francis Menuge in 1982.
“He was absolutely peerless for the longest time in the late ’80s and early ’90s,” fashion editor Tim Blanks told the New York Times. This was the period of Gaultier’s most iconic designs.
In 1984, Gaultier’s “Boy Toy” collection challenged men’s fashion with striped shirts and skirts — and sold around 3,000 of them. He was hailed for spectacle-laden runway shows and superb tailoring. Gaultier began to work with Madonna during the late 1980s, and, at the pop star’s request, he designed the costumes for her 1990 “Blond Ambition” tour. Her pink corset became a cultural touchstone of the era.
Gaultier continued to expand his brand. There were the colorful all-over graphic prints in the sheer stretch-tulle fabric of his Soleil line — which have gained fans in millennials seeking the authentic, easy style of 1990s fashion — and he debuted his first couture collection in 1997. Gaultier created costumes for film and stage and was nominated for a César Award for Best Costume Design for The City of Lost Children (1995) and then a second for Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element (1997).
From 2003 to 2010, Gaultier was the creative director for Hermès. The first international exhibition of his work, “The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk,” debuted in 2011 at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and toured to cities including Stockholm, New York City, Dallas and London. Vintage Gaultier Birkin bags are unsurprisingly sought-after collectibles, and the So Black collection — a line that included the So Black Birkin, which featured black PVD-coated hardware — was among his last works for the brand before his departure.
Gaultier presented his last ready-to-wear collection in 2014 and in 2020 stepped down from his couture line, ending his boundary-pushing, industry-shaping reign with a raucous show of more than 230 outfits formed from fragments of collections from across his 50-year career.
One of fashion’s enfants terribles, Gaultier has never sought out pretty for pretty’s sake. Instead, he has challenged the traditional ideals of beauty. Today, the designer's vintage clothing designs — experimental undergarments cut from lace and suede, leather-trimmed evening dresses and jackets of denim, plastic or striped jersey — are as punk as they are high fashion.
Find vintage Jean Paul Gaultier dresses, skirts, jeans and accessories today on 1stDibs.
Jean Paul Gaultier Metallic Layered Net Two-Piece Vintage Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Jean Paul Gaultier Metallic Layered Net Two-Piece Vintage Dress is a striking and avant-garde ensemble that embodies Gaultier’s signature boldness and innovative design. The dress fe...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Semi-Sheer Knit Mesh Black Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Semi-Sheer Knit Mesh Raw Edges Detail Black Maxi Dress Size M
Jean Paul Gaultier Runway Double-Breasted Cape-Effect Blazer Jacket, SS2012
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Geneva, CH
Jean Paul Gaultier's creations always have this unexpected twist that make them both recognizable and unique. Made of navy wool (49%) and rayon (51%), this double-breasted blazer features a daring open back and slits along the sleeves that create an elegant cape effect. Worn as a blazer or a mini mini dress, this vintage Jean Paul Gaultier piece has peaked lapels, faux pockets and covered buttons. The lining is printed in it's iconic classic Breton stripes...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage 1990s Wool & Sequin Embellished Striped Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! Incredibly chic vintage Jean Paul Gaultier sweater dress from the Fall/Winter 1999 collection, the perfect statement piece...
Christian Dior Paris Aubergine V neck Pleat Draped Bodice Sheath Silk Dress
By Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Christian Dior Paris aubergine V neck pleat draped bodice sheath dress. Aubergine silk dobby weave fabric, the bodice features a v wrap neckline with pleats and cap sleeves. A seamed...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Madonna Cone Bra Open Back Jumpsuit
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Madonna Cone Bra Open Back Jumpsuit Measurements: Bust: 31.89 inches (81 cm) elastic at back, slightly adjustable Waist: FREE Hips...
Jean Paul Gaultier Snap Detail Little Black Jersey Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jean Paul Gaultier Femme 2000s little black jersey sleeveless dress with various sized black metal snap embellishments around neck. Pulls on overhead. 100% rayon. Fully lined in 92%...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER purple ribbed knit dress with scarf
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vivid-purple, ribbed, knit dress with spiral cut and attached scarf designed by Jean Paul Gaultier dating to the late 1990's, early 2000's. Labeled a size 'M'. Approximate measuremen...
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Black and White Batik Print 1990s Flamenco Mini Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 90s JEAN PAUL GAULTIER black, white and grey flamenco style cold shoulder mini dress! Features multiple layers of signature JPG mesh that stretches to fi...
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Novelty Feather Print Trompe L’oeil 90s Halter Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 90s vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER brightly colored novelty feather print rayon halter dress ! The neckline features what looks to be a feathered necklace. Bright colors of orange, ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 1997 Eye of Horus Egyptian Print Mesh Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR
From Jean Paul Gaultier Jeans' Spring/Summer 1997 collection, this body-conscious mesh dress features a vivid Egyptian-themed print combining the Eye of Horus, scarab beetles, and hieroglyphics. Crafted from 100% stretch nylon mesh, the figure-hugging silhouette offers a seamless second-skin fit with short cap sleeves. Notably featured in Season 1 of the series Euphoria. Made in Italy. Brand: Jean Paul Gaultier Jeans Era: Spring/Summer 1997 Origin: Made in Italy Fabric: 100% Nylon mesh (high-stretch) Color: Nude base with blue, brown, and burgundy Egyptian motifs Key features: Egyptian print...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Koi Fish Tattoo Sheer Mesh Wrap Dress Size M
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage koi fish tattoo sheer mesh wrap dress. Label reads JEAN PAUL GAULTIER SOLEIL. Made in Italy. Size label reads : M. Compos...
$999Sale Price|30% Off
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER JUNIOR Vintage Iconic Cone Bust Corset Bodycon Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER JUNIOR vintage iconic cone bust corset bodycon dress. This dress features : - Wine-coloured satin front and back. - Spandex panels on bot...
Black sleeveless cotton dress with zip closure JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black sleeveless cotton dress with zip closure. Fabric composition: 98% cotton, 2% lycra. Zip closure on the middle front, side and pocket. Drawstring around the waist. SIZE 40 / L
Red cotton stretch chemise dress Jean-Paul Gaultier FEMME
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red cotton stretch chemise dress with pocket with button and buttonhole closure on both side. button and buttonhole closure on the middle front . Drawstring on the shoulder with gath...
Jean Paul Gaultier Maille Mesh Handkerchief Point Skirt with Rib Knit details
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingston, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier Maille Black Mesh Dress with Handkerchief Point Skirt with Knit Ribbed collar and Sleeve Cuffs Made in Italy Size M ; Measurements; Shoulder 13" ; Bust 26" ; Wai...
$2,676Sale Price|25% Off
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Semi Sheer Devil Demon Inferno Dress Size M
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage semi sheer mesh dress printed with demonic imagery and JEAN PAUL GAULTIER logos at the front and back. Fully lined (sheer mesh). Slips on. Label reads JE...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, MAILLE, Very RARE, High-Waist Double Slit, Maxi-Length Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingston, NY
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, MAILLE, Very RARE, High-Waist Double Slit, Maxi-Length Dress with repeating Psychedelic pattern, zipper at shoulder and yarn pom pom embellishment Size S/M Shou...
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2005 Semi-Sheer Mesh Abstract Salvador Dali Print Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2005 Semi-Sheer Mesh Abstract Salvador Dali Print Midi Dress Size S
Jean Paul Gaultier Floral Print Mesh Dress With Portrait
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage multicolor Jean Paul Gaultier classic mesh dress featuring a floral pattern, portrait imagery, and small rosettes, shoulder bow and...
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier tropical mesh lace-trim dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier tropical mesh lace-trim dress This 1990s Jean Paul Gaultier dress features an intricate tropical print layered o...
Jean Paul Gaultier Rare 2002 X Bacchante by Leon Bakst Mixed Fabric Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier Femme rare 2002 dress X 'Bacchante', costume design for a Ballets Russes production of Tcherepnin's, Narcisse, in 1911 by Russian Artist ...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER S/s 1998 Blue Printed Dress with Front Slit
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
The dress's fitted bodice is luxuriously detailed with swirling patterns and beadwork, leading down to a uniquely designed split front skirt that further accentuates its fluid, sea-...
Jean Paul Gaultier fringed silk macramé dress, ss 2000
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
▪ Jean Paul Gaultier silk macramé dress ▪ Spring-Summer 2000 ▪ Constructed from multicoloured printed silk ribbons ▪ Fringed knee-length skirt ▪ Loose ...
Beige jersey dress with zip and ruffles Jean-Paul Gaultier
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige jersey dress with zip and ruffles. Size: 36 (S)
Jean Paul Gaultier F/W 2005 Mesh and Lace Midi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Paris, FR
Ribbed knit midi dress by Jean Paul Gaultier featuring black stretch knit construction with dramatic off-shoulder black lace overlay. The dress combines a fitted ribbed knit body wit...
$802Sale Price|25% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Cotton Sari Size M
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage cotton sari featuring a gorgeous multicolor print with silver toned frieze patterns. This sari wraps around the body and attaches with straps. There are t...
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2002 Portrait Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
Jean Paul Gaultier Spring Summer 2002 ‘Portrait ’dress. Featuring two long mesh straps on each side with multi use, the dress can also be worn as a skirt. (As seen on Kylie Jenner). ...
$1,665Sale Price|30% Off
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Trompe L'oeil Maxi Dress with Detachable Sleeves
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage maxi jersey dress with detachable sleeves featuring an x-ray screen trompe l’œil jean jacket and jeans on the front and ba...
$999Sale Price|30% Off
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER JUNIOR Vintage Green/Burgundy Red Color Block Bodycon Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER JUNIOR vintage green/burgundy red color block bodycon dress. Stretchy material. Front down zippered closure (copper toned ...
Vintage 1998 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Tattoo Print Sheer Mesh Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 1998 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Tattoo Print Sheer Mesh Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Should...
$1,487Sale Price|43% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Cuba print mesh maxi dres, ss 1998
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, IT
- Stretch mesh with Cuba themed print throughout in hues of teal, brown and cream - Sold by Skof.Archive - Maxi dress with brown mesh lining - Spring Summer 1998 Size : FR 36 - EN...
Vintage 1997 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Tortoise Shell Embellished Print Open Back Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 1997 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Tortoise Shell Embellished Print Open Back Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Bust: 15.75 inches (40 cm) open ba...
Jacquard knit and jersey dress JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER Maille
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Jacquard knit and jersey dress . Drawstring ended with tassel on the top middle front. SIZE 42
$1,160Sale Price|35% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Corset Lace Bra Dress US Size 12
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER rare off-white paneled corset like featuring lace bra and lingerie style straps. This dress is made of stretch knit panels to fit to the ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Versatile Body-Hugging "Little Black Dress"
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier wonderfully elegant yet sexy versatile body-hugging black dress has the option of a daytime dress which can be worn right int...
Jean Paul Gaultier F/W 2007 Unworn Logo Sheer Panels Knitted Midi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier Unworn Logo Sheer Panels Knitted Midi Dress Size XS
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Stretch Wool Dress with Draped Mesh Collar Size XS
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Jean Paul Gaultier dress is composed of a patterned stretch wool, with mesh collar, and sheer sleeves. Comes with belt. In excellent condition. **Please cross-reference ...
Vintage Rare JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Multi Zipper Black Long Dress Gown
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Rare JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Multi Zipper Black Long Dress Gown Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Shoulder: 19.29 inches (49 cm) Sleeves: 1.57 in...
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2001 Logo Semi-Sheer Bodycon Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2001 Logo Semi-Sheer Bodycon Mesh Maxi Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier watercolour print sleeveless off the shoulder midi dress M
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Jean Paul Gaultier Maille vintage off the shoulder stretch viscose dress Graffiti print in an array of colours that include in varying shades ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Off-shoulder Dress - '00s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Jean Paul Gaultier off-shoulder dress from the Soleil label features a long Greek-style maxi design, velvet ribbed hem, and a unique back-tied panel silhouette. Measurement: Bu...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Embroidered Tattoo Pattern Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Embroidered Tattoo Pattern Maxi Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Shoulder: 14.37 inches (36.5 cm) Sleeves: 24.21 in...
Jean Paul Gaultier Blue Straight Dress Sz.XS/S
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Krakow, PL
Jean Paul Gaultier Straight Dress with Eyelets – Size XS/S Condition: Very good Description of wear: Minimal signs of use, slight pilling on fabric, underarm area; additional cleani...
Jean Paul Gaultier Fur and Fringe Sleeve Dress - '90s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Black midi dress by Jean Paul Gaultier pairs a stretchy cotton body with dramatic bell sleeves layered in soft feathers and flowing fringe. Remarks: the cotton fabric is slightly f...
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2001 Red Art Nouveau Sheer Cutout Tank Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in PARIS, FR
As seen on Monet de Haan in Gossip Girl Season 2, Episode 3 ("Great Reputations"). Similar patterns seen during the S/S 2001 runway. A striking red maxi dress featuring intricate wh...
Jean Paul Gaultier black knitted wool caged corset sweater dress, fw 1989
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
▪ Jean Paul Gaultier sweater dress ▪ Fall-Winter 1989 ▪ Constructed from black ribbed-knit wool ▪ Turtle neck ▪ Caged skirt made up of a lattice of corse...
1990's Jean Paul Gaultier Belted Sleeveless Trench Style Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1990s' NWT Jean Paul Gaultier Black sleeveless trench coat dress with a distressed wide brown leather belt and an asymmetric breast pocket.
Jean Paul Gaultier F/W 2014 Silk Chiffon Print Convertible Zipper Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
A standout from Jean Paul Gaultier’s F/W 2014 runway - one of the final collections designed by Gaultier for the label - this silk chiffon dress distills the house’s sensual fluidity...
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Ruler Print Ruched Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your style game with this iconic Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Ruched Tape Measure Print Dress. Crafted from lightweight, sheer fabric adorned with neutral-colored and green tap...
Jean Paul Gaultier Navy Mini Dress With Silver Metal Detailing & Roman Numerals
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier navy blue mini dress featuring a tank style, black trim silver letters and number...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER FEMME Floral Silk Tent Dress with Embroidered Yoke, SZ M
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Richardson, TX
From the early 2000s, this lovely vintage shift ro tent dress from Jean Paule Gaultier's mainline "Femme" label features a beautifully embroidered yoke on a rust-colored background. ...
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Parrot Printed Mesh Blue Purple Midi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fashion History: Jean Paul Gaultier's Soleil line became one of the designer's most celebrated diffusion collections during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Produced in Italy by Fuzzi...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Junior Checkered Pattern Velvet Emerald Green Dress
By Junior Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Junior Checkered Pattern Velvet Emerald Green Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips:...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Cutout Bust Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Cutout Bust Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Shoulder: 13.77 inches (35 cm) not stre...
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tattoo Print Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A defining piece from Jean Paul Gaultier’s iconic Soleil line, this tattoo print dress showcases the designer’s signature exploration of illusion, sensuality, and the relationship be...
Jean Paul Gaultier Gray Flannel Cocktail Dress w/ Studded Zipper Shoulders
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Gresham, OR
A fabulous Jean Paul Gaultier cocktail dress: gray flannel, fitted bodice dress with funnel neckline, zip-open shoulders covered in studs and metal. Front swag, Side zipper and dar...
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier 1990s Leopard Cheetah Animal Print 90s Sash Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing 1990s JEAN PAUL GAULTIER leopard / cheetah animal print signature sleeveless mesh dress! Features the classic print with a little edge. Ruffle sash at the down the left seam....
Beige cotton dress with laces and eyelet on the front Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige cotton dress with laces and eyelet on the front. Cut-work. Pockets on both side. Buttons and buttonholes on the sleeve. SIZE 36 (Fr) 6 (US) on tag but can fit also M
Blue stretch cotton wrap dress Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Blue stretch cotton wrap dress with fabric belt and buckle. Pocket on both side. Raglan sleeves. SIZE 46 (It) 12 (US)