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.
Insane JPG Femme Spanish Nights Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Miami, FL
A gorgeous red floral Jean Paul Gaultier Femme dress that resembles Spanish flamenco dresses. It moves beautifully and features a slit on the left leg, with a ruffled neckline and sk...
Jean Paul Gaultier Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Jean Paul Gaultier. It is semi fitted with a bateau neckline and a gradated draped ruffle wider at the front shoulder then narrowing to the h...
2000 Jean Paul Gaultier Femme Ivory Laser-Cut Suede Halter Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Jean Paul Gaultier Femme Ivory Laser-Cut Suede Halter Dress, circa 2000 An extraordinary example of Jean Paul Gaultier’s celebrated artisanal approach to design, this ivory suede ha...
Jean Paul Gaultier Victorian Style Sheer Organdy Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier Victorian Style Sheer Organdy Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Sweater with Belt 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous rust orange striped wool sweater from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has long sleeves, a standup collar with functional silver buttons closure along it's side and one shoulder and...
Jean Paul Gaultier Brown Silk Jersey Dress with Cut outs. Size S/M
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous rich brown silk jersey dress from Jean Paul Gaultier. It is sleeveless with a bateau neckline and X shaped mesh covered cut outs at each side of the waist plus a strip ar...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage "Divers and Parrots" Printed Novelty Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and amazing 1990s / 90s JEAN PAUL GAULTIER A - Line / trapeze dress! Features divers printed throughout, spelling out, "SOLEIL," and "JEAN PAUL GAULT...
Jean Paul Gaultier Leather Trim Silk Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk velvet dress from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has incredible topstitched leather trim around top of the dress and neck creating tear drop shaped cut outs in the fro...
Jean Paul Gaultier Printed Stretch-Mesh & Knit Asymetric Tattoo Dress, SS1995
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Geneva, CH
Jean Paul Gaultier's tattoo-printed tops first appeared during the 1994 Spring-Summer runway show and have remained a brand icon ever since. Originally inspired by a tattoo conventio...
Jean Paul Gaultier SS1999 Floral-Print Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Paris, FR
This Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Maille dress is constructed in a fine open-knit mesh in a muted stone ground. The garment is sleeveless, cut in a close-fitting, body-conscious silh...
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Cherub Print Yellow and Purple Vintage Halter Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
Fabulous vintage 90s JEAN PAUL GAULTIER novelty cherub mythical and fish print halter dress! Features vibrant colors of yellow, purple and white throughout. Signature double ply mesh...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Tropical Burst Print Off‑Shoulder Bodycon Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage tropical burst print off‑shoulder bodycon dress with purple raffia-like trim along the neckline. This dress features : - Off‑shoulder bodycon silhouette w...
Jean Paul Gaultier Crochet Runway Dress, Spring/Summer 2008
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
An extraordinary hand made Jean Paul Gaultier runway dress from the Spring/Summer 2008 collection, seen on the catwalk in Gaultier’s celebrated exploration of artisanal craftsmansh...
$760Sale Price|20% Off
1990's JEAN PAUL GAULTIER black wrap dress with raised neckline
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Dramatic, black wrap style dress with raised neckline designed by Jean Paul Gaultier dating to the late 1990's. Label a French size 36. Approximate measurements: bust 34", waist 28-2...
$2,093Sale Price|20% Off
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Semi Sheer Mesh Portraits Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage semi sheer mesh dress featuring portraits and cursive text print. This dress features : - FUZZI semi sheer mesh on the body. - FUZZI sheer mesh on the sle...
Jean Paul Gaultier Madonna esque Cone Bra Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
An iconic orange stretch silk dress from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has a cylindrical top stitched cone bra top as made famous by Gaultier's designs for Madonna'...
Jean Paul Gaultier “Safe Sex Forever” Dragon-Print Mesh Dress 2023
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
An iconic semi-sheer mesh dress by Jean Paul Gaultier from the contemporary “Dress Like Jean Paul” collection, a line that reinterprets the most famous and recognizable elements of J...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage S/S 1996 Cyberbaba Tribal Tattoo Sheer Mesh Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier "Cyberbaba" Tattoo Mesh Dress, as worn by Cher in the editorial images photographed by David LaChapelle, with a similar print and fabrication also seen on ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Bondage Skirt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous wool jersey skirt from Jean Paul Gaultier in khaki grey with fine subtle rust stripes. It is mid rise pencil style with a waist band, and radiating straps front and back m...
New Jean Paul Gaultier Femme Blue Trench Coat Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jean Paul Gaultier Femme blue maxi dress with trench coat detailing. Thin straps can be unsnapped at back to create a criss-cross or halter style. Bu...
$2,497Sale Price|30% Off
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER JEAN'S Vintage Iconic "Fight Racism" Bodycon Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER JEAN'S vintage FIGHT RACISM blue and yellow bodycon maxi dress. As seen on KYLIE JENNER. Slips on. Has stretch. A slit on both sides...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, Iconic "S&M" Tattoo Print Stretch Mesh and Knit Dress, 1995
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingston, NY
*DRESS ONLY (Top sold separately) JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, Iconic "S&M" Tattoo Print Stretch Mesh and Knit Dress, 1995. Dove tail style dress with handkerchief hem in back. Dress on...
1980s JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Black Silk Knit Sleeves & Tulle Skirt Gown
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
1980S JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Black Silk Knit Sleeves & Tulle Skirt Gown
Jean Paul Gaultier Ombre Silk Flower Wrap Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great dragonfly and flower pattern silk dress from Jean Paul Gaultier in shades of yellow, green, gold, coral and pink on an ombre yellow background. It is a wrap style with cut i...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Maille F/W 1999 Hoops Knit Dress L
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, BE
Jean Paul Gaultier Maille 1999 Hoops Tube Knit Dress Brand: Jean Paul Gaultier Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Collection / Year: 1999 Material: Wool with foam structure Color: Black S...
$499Sale Price|40% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Denim Bustier Dress Size USA 10
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage denim bustier dress. This dress features : - Front buttoning. - Lace-up back. - Boning on breast area. - Two front pockets. ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Leather Laser Cut Jacket and Skirt Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning skirt and vest, jacket set from Jean Paul Gaultier in fine, soft, supple off white leather. It consist of a vest/top/jacket laser cut in elaborate shapes, patterns and app...
Jean Paul Gaultier Iconic Black Bondage Cone Bra Mini Bodycon Dress Size S
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER iconic black bondage cone style bra mini bodycon dress. This dress features : - Black knitted panels. - Padded cone style bra with elasticated bondage straps cros...
Vintage Iconic JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Madonna Corset Bondage Conical Bra Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Iconic JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Madonna Corset Bondage Conical Bra Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust and waist: Bust: 14.57 inches (37 cm) unstretched Waist: ...
Jean Paul Gaultier “Curve” Printed Mesh Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Dallas, TX
Jean Paul Gaultier “Curve” Printed Mesh Dress A sculptural take on JPG’s signature mesh moment, this brand new Jean Paul Gaultier maxi dress features an abstract wave-like “Curve” ...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Raffia Knit Crochet Nautical Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Raffia Knit Crochet Nautical Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust and waist: Shoulder: 17.71 inches (45 cm) Bust: 14.17 inches (36 cm) w...
Jean Paul Gaultier Long Red Jersey Knit and Chiffon Dress, French Circa 1990
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990 France Long dress in red jersey knit by Jean Paul Gaultier. Wide collar in beige chiffon that can be worn in different ways: like a hood, a wide boat neck revealing should...
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Barbwire Print Size 6 Black Vintage 90s Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and rare 1990s JEAN PAUL GAULTIER barbwire novelty print slinky rayon black and taupe dress ! Features abstract print throughout. Hidden zipper up the...
Jean Paul Gaultier multicoloured floral silk halterneck dress, ss 2001
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
▪ Jean Paul Gaultier halterneck silk dress ▪ Enlarged multicoloured floral print ▪ Accordion pleated bust with halterneck ties ▪ Nude accordion pleated silk chiffon shoulder straps...
Black knit and printed silk chiffon ballon dress Jean-Paul Gaultier Maille
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black knit and printed silk chiffon ballon dress. No fabric composition tag but the top knit is probably a mix of wool and nylon and the knit under the chiffon is in wool stretch kni...
$463Sale Price|35% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Aboriginal Maori Tattoo Print Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage maxi dress featuring an opulent Aboriginal Maori tattoo print, deep round neckline and open sleeves. Stretchy material. Label reads GAULTIER JEAN'S. Made...
Jean Paul Gaultier Paris Eiffel Tower City Lights Print Dress Size M
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier Paris Eiffel Tower City Lights Print Dress Size M Excellent condition. Wrap around style dress. This kind of JPG pieces fabric is ...
Jean Paul Gaultier rare Denim dress years90/2000 in very good condition
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Iconic and extremely rare long trench coat/denim dress by Jean Paul Gaultier, a cult piece from the Haute Jeanerie line (the French couturier's denim revolution that elevated denim t...
1990s Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Horror House Work Cinematic Mini Body con Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Sheffield, GB
Incredible Early 1990's Jean Paul Gaultier 'Horror House Work' Print fitted Body Con Mini Dress. MADE IN ITALY ! Features : Short sleeves, Deep scooped backless reverse, rounded ne...
2003 Jean Paul Gaultier draped strapless mini dress & skirt with chain
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Milano, Lombardia
2003 Jean Paul Gaultier draped strapless mini dress with chain A striking Jean Paul Gaultier design from 2003 featuring an elegant asymmetric draped construction. Crafted with a bod...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER S/s 1999 Abstract Bacteria Kimono Mesh Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
This Jean Paul Gaultier Spring summer 1999 Abstract Bacteria Kimono Mesh set features a striking blend of art and fashion, showcasing a marbled abstract print on sheer, textured mesh...
Jean Paul Gaultier 2002 Soleil Portraits Long Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Piece Description: This exquisite Jean Paul Gaultier long dress from the 2002 Soleil Portraits collection is a striking statement piece that showcases the designer's iconic blend of ...
Devoré slip dress and cotton double dress with cotton belt JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Devoré slip dress and cotton double dress with cotton belt. Slip dress composition: 80% rayon, 20% nylon. size 44 (iT) 40 (Fr) 10 (US)
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER S/s 1989 Black Satin Panel Cone Bra Mini Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
This Cone Bra Mini Dress from spring summer 1989 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER is a striking, fitted mini dress designed to make a bold statement. It features delicate spaghetti straps that lea...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage S/ S 1989 Junior Gaultier Denim Leopard Corset Dress
By Junior Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Rare vintage Junior Gaultier corset dress from Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 1989 “Around the World in 168 Outfits”collection. • S/S 1989 • Label: Junior Gaultier • Leopard-pri...
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Optic Illusion Geometric Iridescent Asymmetric Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Optic Illusion Geometric Iridescent Asymmetric Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Shoulder: 12.40 inches (31.5 cm) Bu...
$2,082Sale Price|30% Off
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER JUNIOR Vintage Blue Lace Sheer Panel Bra Mini Denim Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER JUNIOR vintage blue denim bra mini dress featuring nylon panels, lace and blue satin bows. Back zippered closure. Orange stitching d...
Jean Paul Gaultier Skirt with Zipper Pouch 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black burn out velvet skirt by Jean Paul Gaultier. It is pencil style with wide abstract vertical velvet stripes and a small zipper pouch att...
1990's JEAN PAUL GAULTIER black wrap dress with belt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black wrap style dress with enameled belt designed by Jean Paul Gaultier dating to the late 1990's. Labeled a French size 40 (Italian 44). Approximate measurements: 17" shoulder, 36"...
Jean Paul Gaultier 1990s Women's Vintage Gingham Lace Knit Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking and intricately constructed knit dress from Jean Paul Gaultier’s 1990s era, embodying the designer’s signature fusion of lingerie, folk reference, and avant-garde construc...
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2007 Cutout Bodycon Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2007 Cutout Bodycon Maxi Dress Size L Please note this dress is very versatile and could be worn with the cutouts in front or back...
Jean Paul Gaultier SS2000 Love Boat Tahitian Print Slip Dress Size M
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
Jean Paul Gaultier SS2000 "Love Boat" collection. Tahitian faces abstract print slip dress. Spaghetti straps, bias-cut, metallic lettuce hem. Size M. Perfect condition. House - Jean...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Turtleneck Mesh and Rib Knit Bodycon Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Turtleneck Mesh and Rib Knit Bodycon Maxi Dress Size S
Jean Paul Gaultier Y2K Avant Garde Cotton Black Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Jean Paul Gaultier Y2K Avant Garde Cotton Black Maxi Dress embodies an exquisite blend of sophistication and contemporary style, making it a must-have staple for any fashion-forw...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, French courtyard scene, long blue and white dress with black
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingston, NY
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, French courtyard scene, long blue and white dress with black and white ruffle hem, Été (Summer) 1998 Size 8 Measurements; S...
Jean Paul Gaultier archival 1998 mesh Antique print dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Paul Gaultier archival 1998 collection mesh dress, antique print. Rare find. It can fit US 0 up to US 8. (34 FR up to 40/42 FR) stretchy fabric
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Classique S/S 2007 Wool Knit Crossbody Belted Cocktail Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Thiensville, WI
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique S/S 2007 Wool Knit Crossbody Belted Cocktail Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Jean Paul Gaultier Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Collection: S/S 2007 Style: Coc...
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 1996 Vintage Belle Epoque Print Mesh Maxi Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 1996 Vintage Belle Epoque Print Mesh Maxi Dress M Please note size tag is missing.
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Metallic Silk Jacquard Dress with Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Jean Paul Gaultier metallic light brown bias cut silk jacquard slip dress with chain strap and silk cropped Jacket. Dress cut in bias. Size: 4 or 6 Bust: 36 inches/ waist 36 inch...
Jean Paul Gaultier Deep Purple Bodycon Dress with Fringed Scarf and Side Slit
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Studio City, CA
Jean Paul Gaultier deep purple ribbed knit bodycon dress w/fringed side slit, asymmetric hem and attached scarf w/fringe that can wrap multiple ways at the neck. In excellent conditi...