Some of the biggest models in the fashion industry from the last forty years came out to display Jean-Paul Gaultier’s final collection at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, which featured nods to some of his greatest looks from half a century of designing.
Stars from past and present led the way as Gaultier, 67, who retired after Wednesday evening’s show, launched his eagerly anticipated Spring-Summer 2020 collection at the Théâtre du Châtelet.
Among the former muses included the likes of Erin O’Connor, Canadian model Coco Rocha and US burlesque performer Dita Von Teese, who all donned looks to embody the idea of couture as they made their way down the runway.
Meanwhile, current supermodel sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid were joined by Jourdan Dunn and Irina Shayk, who took to the catwalk in a cream mini dress which mimicked the famous conical bra that Madonna sported back in 1990.
The dress added a modern twist to the look as it boasted a black hanging short cape and matching stockings, which gave the illusion that her legs had been ripped apart.
Some of the biggest stars in the fashion industry from over the last forty years took to the catwalk to debut Jean-Paul Gaultier’s final ever collection at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week On Wednesday
Erin O’Connor (pictured) was among the famous faces who took to the star-studded runway in outfits which offered nods to some of his greatest looks from half a century of designing
Gorgeous: Bella Hadid had just modelled some of his last ever designs before his retirement
US burlesque performer Dita Von Teese and British model Karen Elson celebrate after French designer Jean Paul Gaultier presented his last Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture collection during the Paris Fashion Week
Cheeky: Jean even gave singer Boy George a playful kiss on the cheek as a way of thanks following his epic final fashion show
Karlie Kloss also proudly displayed her physique in a sheer white lace jumpsuit with floral embroidery, as she sported the Gaultier signature sailor hat.
She later returned to the runway in an even more bizarre look, as she donned an amazing gown that looked as if it had been made from bubble wrap.
Winnie Harlow was difficult to miss as she donned a striking camouflage one-piece with a brown and green effect along with a vibrant matching cape.
But perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the night was former Liverpool player Djibril Cisse, who also hit the catwalk and presented a creation by the legendary designer.
Legendary: A teenage prodigy, who rose to fame in the 1980s when the Paris fashion scene was at its most decadent, Gaultier also carved out a parallel television career as the co-presenter of a cheeky series, ‘Eurotrash’
Model moment: Karen Elson and Dita Von Teese joined the esteemed designer and Karlie for a photo
A vision: Karlie Kloss proudly displayed her physique in a sheer white lace jumpsuit with floral embroidery, as she also sported the Gaultier signature sailor hat
What are those? Another dramatic twist to Bella’s look came in the form of her heel-less boots, which she wore on the runway with ease
Iconic: Heaved into the air by the models, it proved to be a fitting tribute for the French designer after five decades in the business
Whoop! The iconic designer appeared to be having a great time as his years of hard work were recognised
Cute: Bella shared a sweet embrace with designer Jean backstage in the midst of his epic fashion showcase
Leading the way: Supermodel sisters Bella (left) and Gigi Hadid ensured legendary designer Jean-Paul Gaultier unveiled his final collection at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week as they took to the runway in some of their boldest looks yet
Farewell: The designer cheered as he was lifted into the air by his friends at the show
Glamorous: Other models including Coco Rocha (left) and Iris Mittenaere (right) also took to the star-studded runway for the lavish show
Go Jean! Backstage Bella was seen cheering on the designer as she prepared to head back onto the runway for another showcase
Sensational: At the end of the fashion show, Jean took to the stage to a thunderous reception from the models and slew of guests in attendance
Busty: Winnie put on an eye-popping display as she strutted down the catwalk in her extremely revealing outfit
Heaven sent: The former Liverpool player’s inkings included a pair of angel wings on his shoulder blades
Naughty: French actress Beatrice Dalle made a daring move on the catwalk as she took a puff on her cigarette
Work it out: Models including Karlie Kloss, Anna Cleveland and Bella Hadid could be seen striking a pose on the runway
Cheeky: Karlie put on a playful display as she later re-appeared on the runway sporting the gown which appeared to be made out of bubble wrap
Not-so girly: Teaming her look with white flared trousers, Gigi oozed androgynous chic in the look as she sported a matching sailor hat, along with eye catching heels that were covered with bizarre spikes
Bella, who took to the catwalk along with her sister, donned a sheer white gown covered with embroidery, which boasted a dramatic fishtail trim.
Elsewhere Gigi’s look was clearly inspired by the Le Mâle scent and its famous bottle, which mimicked the look of a male torso with blue stripes.
As she took to the catwalk, she left little to the imagination in a sheer top with a bizarre blue and white striped shell detailing along with sheer nude undershirt.
Teaming her look with white flared trousers, the supermodel oozed androgynous chic in the look as she sported a matching sailor hat, along with eye catching heels that were covered with bizarre spikes.
Later, she changed into a futuristic- inspired look as she donned a form-fitting black jumpsuit with one sheer side to highlight her slender physique and a bizarre metal plate covering her left breast.
The daughter of Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Hadid nailed the look that could have been plucked from a science fiction film, as she also sported oversized hoops with the look.
From another planet: The daughter of Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Hadid nailed the look that could have been plucked from a science fiction film, as she also sported oversized hoops with the look
Perfection: The gown boasted layers of different types of plastic and a bizarre bodice that displayed every inch of Karlie’s physique
Raven: Irina was also oozing gothic chic as she later changed into a statement black gown with a sequinned bodice and a statement layered skirt
Racy: Puerto Rican model Joan Smalls wore a statement blue dress made of the matching thick belts, along with matching tights and T-strap shoes
Grand arrival: Winnie’s amazing gown was certainly a sight to behold as she displayed every inch of the voluminous cape on the runway
Inner beast: The Canadian beauty displayed her jaw-dropping figure in the amazing look that seemed to embody the idea of couture as she made her way down the runway
Oh my! Winnie worked the cape of the outfit as she performed a flawless turn on the runway
Model it up: Mylene Farmer (left) looked sharp in dramatic reflective flared trousers, while Lais Ribeiro (right) highlighted her slender physique in a fitted black suit with gold embellishment
Unusual: French model Cindy Bruna wore yet another striking look that featured a dramatic mesh cape and a skirt that mimicked the famous Roman piece known as the Pteruges due to its fringed detailing
She never ages! Yasmin Le Bon looked far younger than her 55 years in a simple but sophisticated ensemble, including a fitted sequinned shirt suit and the same spiked heel
Paris Jackson sported a more bohemian-inspired look as she walked the runway in a stunning multi-coloured outfit that made the most of her impressive 5ft 9in frame
The star lit up the purple tinted runway in a pair of snazzy snakeskin print slacks that were well tailored.
She added a shirt with an orange and purple hue and several beaded necklaces added, along with plenty of red bracelets on her wrists.
Strike a pose: Ami Benton, Elza Matiz, Pandemonia and Janet Mayer posed up backstage
Fashionista: A model posed up backstage and put on an animated display during make-up
Kiss: Jean-Paul was greeted with a kiss as he celebrated his five decades in the industry
Racy: For her second look of the evening, Jourdan left little to the imagination in a black plunging and tasselled cut-out mini dress
Work it: The model went braless in two daring cut-out ensembles as she joined the likes of sister Gigi and Bella Hadid, Irina Shayk, Paris Jackson and Winnie Harlow on the runway
Make way: Erin O’Connor (R) wore an androgynous ensemble as she walked the catwalk arm in arm with a male model on Wednesday evening
Happy days: Bella and Karlie shared a special moment as the show ended and they celebrated the designer’s illustrious career
Sexy: Bella was one of the many stars who took to the epic runway for Gaultier’s final fashion show, as she displayed her svelte physique in a sheer white gown covered with embroidery
It had been announced that this would be Jean Paul’s final haute couture fashion show as the French designer was finally ready to retire.
The iconic creator revealed via an Instagram video on Friday that he would be bowing out with a big party to mark his 50 years in the business.
His brand told AFP that his high-end fashion and perfume business would live on, but that Gaultier was stepping back from designing clothes himself.
‘Rest assured haute couture will continue with a new concept,’ the designer said to the publication.
Gaultier, who famously put Madonna in a conical bra, dropped the bombshell in an amusing video, shot as if he was giving an exclusive interview to a reporter over the phone.
Speaking in French, he says: ‘Hi! This is Jean Paul Gaultier. I invite you to celebrate my 50 years in fashion at the Théâtre du Châtelet on the 22nd of January. Coming?
‘It’s going to be quite a party with many of my friends and we’re going to have fun until very very late.
Superstar: 80s music legend Boy George also took to the stage to pay tribute to Jean at the end of his jaw-dropping fashion career by delivering a stellar performance
Shout out: Boy George looked delighted to be celebrating the success of his friend Jean-Paul
Flawless: Paris displayed her incredible beauty in her boho-inspired ensemble as she posed backstage during the fashion show
Glamour girls: Bella proudly displayed her modelling prowess as she posed with a fellow beauty backstage
Elegant: She looked every inch the vixen in her glamorous all-black ensemble during the star-studded runway show
Bizarre: French-Iranian photographer Ali Mahdavi wore an interesting headpiece featuring three sleeping babies
Backstage bombshell: Winnie put on a very busty display as she revealed her assets backstage at the show alongside Gigi
Final show: Wednesday was Jean Paul Gaultier’s final haute couture fashion show as the French designer is set to retire
Wow: Jourdan showed off her supermodel prowess as she posed up a storm backstage
Wow factor: Karlie Kloss exhibited her honed legs in a bridal inspired bodysuit with extravagant flared sleeves
Delighted: After the show Bella was grinning from ear to ear as she posed alongside designer Jean after modelling some of his last ever designs before his retirement
‘Now I am going to share something with you. This will be my last Haute Couture show. Be there! You can’t miss this.’
Gaultier stopped designing ready-to-wear clothes in 2015 to concentrate on haute couture – handmade clothes which only the world’s richest women can afford.
But as late as last year he insisted he had no intention of putting down his scissors – although he despaired of animal rights activists pressuring him to stop using furs.
A teenage prodigy, who rose to fame in the 1980s when the Paris fashion scene was at its most decadent, Gaultier also carved out a parallel television career as the co-presenter of a cheeky series, ‘Eurotrash’.
In 2018, he staged his own hit cabaret show based loosely on his life story called ‘Fashion Freak Show’, which opened at the Folie Bergere in Paris.
A spokeswoman for his brand told AFP that the designer would be back, but like the veteran Japanese creator Kenzo – who has moved into interior design – it would be in other areas.
Pop of colour: She added an extra twist to her look with a rainbow beret hat as she donned a more casual ensemble to make her exit from the fashion show
That’s a look! Joan Smalls continued to sport her dramatic runway makeup as she wore a cosy brown faux fur jacket to head out of the Fashion Show
Cosy: Gigi also donned an 80s-style cream jacket covered with geometric patchworks and orange ankle boots as she left the show
Peace out: Gigi flashed the peace sign as she posed for fans while leaving the glittering show
Gorgeous: Karlie revealed her lithe legs in a leopard print dress with feathered trim paired with a black overcoat as she exited the show
Striking: Joan rocked her bold eyeliner from the show as she left in a fluffy chestnut coat
Casual cool: The star forewent the heels in favour of some chunky boots as she strutted out of the venue
Hippie girl: Paris donned her own cosy and comfy ensemble as she left the fashion show after another successful evening on the runway
Playful: She displayed her eclectic sense of style in brown paisley printed trousers and a brown crop top, as well as an oversized green knitted cardigan and Gucci-printed trainers