The Gaultier Paris by Sacai Fall/Winter 2021 haute couture collection last week not only shook up the way a couture house operates. (Yes, having a guest designer each season helming a couture collection is undoubtedly refreshing, democratising and keeps audiences piqued.)
But Sacai’s Chitose Abe also managed to deconstruct couture’s retail model while exposing this rarefied fashion niche to a bigger fanbase. She did so by roping in her favourite/frequent collaborators to create ready-to-wear merchandise which sat alongside one-of-a-kind haute couture designs.
Chitose Abe mined some of Jean Paul Gaultier’s favourite tropes such as the conical bra, the mariniere stripes, the tattoo print and deconstructed pinstripe suits for her Gaultier Paris couture show.
Cue popular Los Angeles tattoo artist Dr. Woo and Nike who created ready-to-wear pieces which were immediately up for sale after the show. Selected merchandise is now sold at various stores and e-tail platforms including Ssense, Net-A-Porter and the Sacai boutique at Hilton Hotel.
While the Nike Vaporwaffles sneakers have already been snapped up by sneakerheads on pre-order, customers can still cop the jersey leggings, bodysuits and a bomber jacket featuring Dr. Woo’s tattoo markings created in his signature single-needle style that mirror Gaultier’s own tattoo-inspired designs.
Dr. Woo
Abe also launched a limited edition version of Gaultier’s iconic Classique eau de toilette for this outing. Best known for its mannequin torso-shaped bottle and seductive blend of orange blossom, ginger, rice powder and vanilla, the perfume’s packaging has been wrapped in tulle and sports Dr. Woo’s tattoo motifs.
If that is not enough, fans can also get their hands on cotton T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan ‘Enfants Terribles’ – a play on the enfant terrible moniker that the fashion press has bestowed upon Gaultier.
Ahead, a look at what you can grab.
