Gaultier showcases androgynous menswear

Over half of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week show was menswear, in a nod to his new male fragrance.

The French designer is renowned for his lavish designs and for having fun with style. Yesterday’s collection proved he’s not lost his edge after working in the industry for 30 years, with the star sticking to his well-worn theme of androgyny.

Known for putting men in skirts, a look he often favoured himself in the 80s, Jean Paul once again played with looks for men. Over half the pieces he showed during the presentation were for boys, among them huge capes, black satin tail coats and leggings with sparkles stuck all over them. They also wore huge fur jackets edged with black feathers, padded shirts and floor-length coats.

The fascination with men’s clothing drew attention to the launch of Jean Paul’s latest male fragrance called Kokorico, with the designer heading straight to the launch party after the presentation ended.

While male clothing was the focus, the women’s pieces were just as spectacular. A smart pinstripe suit included a tutu peplum, while bomber jackets were padded and footwear took the shape of Doc Marten boots.

Black was the predominant colour, with mesh tops given furry sleeves in the colour. Other items included a sweeping velvet dress paired with scarlet elbow-length gloves and a draping headpiece and gorgeous floor-length frocks in pale camel and white.

The finale featured French singer Mylene Farmer dressed in the designer’s idea of a wedding outfit – a plunging black leather jacket, miniscule black skirt featuring a tutu and long train and sky-high platforms. Jean Paul came out to take his bow with the recording artist, wearing a black tailcoat.

Valentino also showed yesterday, with model Freja Beha Erichsen wafting down the runway in a pretty lace gown with golden details, while Elie Saab made a presentation too.