(pop overload) It’s all just so much, really. As a fan of live music, I’m in my happy place during Pop Montreal – and since the fest takes over many venues, that happy place seems to be everywhere. Whether you’re into folk-pop, indie-metal or country-electro, check out at least one show at this music fest. There’s also a great film program, stellar art exhibitions, free afternoon BBQs and music at Notman House (51 Sherbrooke W.), a talk by Maus creator and comic book icon Art Spiegelman (September 24, 4 p.m., 1455 de Maisonneuve West), and more. Shoppers can check out Puces Pop, an art, craft, jewellery and fashion fair, September 24–25 at St-Michael Church and the Record Fair at the Ukrainian Federation (5213 Hutchison). Lest we forget the children, Kids Pop offers sing-alongs, yoga, a dress-up photo booth and art workshops on the afternoon of September 25, at the Chinese Presbyterian Church.

(artistic leanings) The stunning Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is only on until October 2 – it seriously deserves at least one viewing, and I know several people who’ve made repeat visits. The Museum also unveils on Monday a monumental public artwork by internationally renowned Montreal artist David Altmejd in front of the Claire and Marc Bourgie Pavilion of Quebec and Canadian Art (1339 Sherbrooke West). The wonderful city-wide photography festival Mois de la Photo as well as the World Press Photo exhibition continue until the end of the month, as does Workspace Unlimited’s immersive multi-media work RealTime UnReal at the Musée d’art Contemporain.

(it’s not all pop) Pop Montreal may be drawing crowds young and old and rock n’ roll will never die, but neither will jazz and classical music, if Montreal can help it anyway. Jazz legends Oliver Jones and Michel Donato along with The Doxas Brothers play the Segal Centre, September 25, and the Montreal Jazz Festival’s autumn show series at the Bistro Le Balmoral heats up every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. Meanwhile, the 13th Orgue et couleurs Fall Festival of classical organ music runs September 23 to October 2, with free lunch-time concerts and reasonably priced evening concerts at churches, music venues, cultural centres around town. And the Montreal Symphony Orchestra settles into its new Concert Hall with conductor Michel Plasson, cellist Gautier Capuçon and works by Ravel, Roussel, Gounod and more, September 29 to October 2.

(Indian rhythms) This Sunday’s La Bal du Dimanche Danse Indienne not only gives us a performance by dancer Deepali Lindblom along with 6 other dancers skilled in various forms of Indian dance, such as folkloric theatrical dance and the classical Karthak, but also a free class on Bollywood dance, open to everyone! September 25, 2 p.m. at Places des Arts’ Espace Culturel Georges-Émile-Lapalme – free!

(far-east acrobatics) Montreal’s own circus centre, La Tohu, stretches the definition of circus once again with Chi of Shaolin: Tale of the Dragon, a high-energy, family-friendly show that blends martial arts, dance, sabre work, hand balancing, contortion, foot-juggling and Chinese diabolo to tell tell the story of a monk who takes a failed young thief under his wing. See the feats of studied technique, strength and pure entertainment as Chi of Shaolin’s Chinese acrobats push their own limits in a surprising show, at La Tohu, September 27 to October 6.

(fresh air) There’s still time to spend outside while the warm-ish weather lasts! Popular Sunday-afternoon electro-dance-party Piknic Electronik invites everyone out to Parc Jean Drapeau for the grand finale piknic of the year with French trio dOP and local favourites. Meanwhile, downtown on Ste-Catherine Street W., as part of In Town Without My Car, Cease Collective presents the vision of five artists who will create a 20′ x 8′ billboard using paper, glue, and scissors to be complete on September 22, at Square Phillips (Ste-Catherine at Union).

(high drama) Make a dramatic, thought-provoking night of it with Peter Shaffer’s play Equus – the performance, directed with creative panache by Domy Reiter-Soffer, left me, and the rest of the theatre, with plenty to ponder and talk about – at the Segal Centre, to October 2. Over at Places des Arts, the Opéra de Montréal goes grand and pulls out all the stops with Mozart’s classic Le nozze di Figaro, featuring soprano Nicole Cabell, to September 24.

(new dance) One of Montreal’s avant-garde dance institutions, Agora de la danse, produces two challenging shows this week: Jocelyne Montpetit’s butoh work Avril est le mois le plus cruel inspired by the poetry of T.S. Eliot, September 22–23, and Danse à 10, an unconventional approach to dance from young, hip, experimental dance troupe La 2e Porte à Gauche, known for performing in strange locales – eight choreographers take over a strip bar this time, Kingdom Gentleman’s Club of Montreal (1417 St-Laurent), September 25–27 and October 2–3, 7 p.m., $10. And on September 29, Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui returns to Montreal with Babel- 18 dancers and musicians representing elements of 13 countries and 7 religions, at Places des Arts.

(audio hackers) Montreal, ever the creative land, becomes a part of a relatively new phenomenon that blends music, technology and rebellion: Music Hack Day Montreal. Though it seems that musicians have been altering their instruments to get the sounds they want forever (hey, what are pedals for), new technologies in software and hardware have expanded the realm of music making exponentially in the last 50 years. Music Hack Day brings together programmers, musicians, designers and anyone with a bent for making music in any way shape or form – September 24–25 at Eastern Bloc (7240 Clark).

(film forum) The Montreal International Black Film Festival introduces a great variety of films from around the world that tackle everything from day-to-day existence to historical issues of slavery to racism in the suburbs of Paris. The opening film is French comedy Case Départ (Back to Square One), and closing the festival is Gabriel Range’s I Am Slave, based on the life of Mende Nazer. In between are over 125 more films as well as a September 24 conference on African-Americans in the film industry. The fest runs September 22 to October 2, at Cinéma Impérial, Cinéma ONF and Cinéma du Parc.

(music and more) While Pop Montreal would seem to be taking over the city’s music scene September 22–25, there’s still more music to be had. Like the full-on force of team Kanye West and Jay-Z – together the hip-hop royals make The Throne, at the Bell Centre, September 25. The music of Sigur Ros comes in film form in the North American Premiere of INNI, by amazing Montreal filmmaker Vincent Morisset – 75 minutes of footage from their last live shows at London’s Alexandra, playing September 27 at Le National (1220 Ste-Catherine E.), 8 p.m. Also that night, not only do indie-pop forerunners and always a good time, Mates of State play Il Motore (179 Jean Talon West), but Who-frontman Roger Daltry performs The Who at Place des Arts! And on September 29, long-time heavy new wavers Trans Am returns to play the entirety of their album Futureworld, at Il Motore.

The post THINGS TO DO IN MONTREAL (SEPTEMBER 22-29) appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

If I’m waxing poetic, it’s because this was a big deal. Fashion followers know that the Couture King/pop culture icon doesn’t normally show his collections in North America, never mind Canada. So, yes, this was a moment. Technically, Gaultier wasn’t here in the flesh, but in his place was none other than his longtime muse and collaborator Tanel Bedrossiantz – or simply Tanel – who had flown in from Paris.

The show was a colourful mix of his La bourgeoisie sans age (“Ageless bourgeoisie”) Fall/Winter 2011/12 collection, combined with some memorable pieces from past seasons and haute couture borrowed from the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal‘s exhibit The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk”. And yes Madonna’s famous cone-bra dress made a happy cameo.

The runway drama began with a James Bond theme, and then took on a nostalgic feel when the soundtrack switched to a medley of Amy Winehouse songs – her voice symbolically absent. In the air, however, a love and appreciation for JPG was palpable as crowds ohhhed and ahhhhed.

In typical Gaultier style, a “casting sauvage” had been held in Montreal to find local models that reflected JPG’s personal vision of beauty; that is, models of all ages, shapes, genders and sizes. For example, outside the typical model paradigm, one joyful full-size model waltzed out in 3D glasses and the optical illusion dress that singer Beth Ditto wore to close Gaultier’s Spring 2011 finale.

The participation of two other Gaultier darlings, Montreal models Eve Salvail and Franciso Randez, offered a nostalgic blast from the past. Gaultier has often referred to Montrealers as his “petits cousins” and in many ways this show was like a family reunion.

The post JEAN PAUL GAULTIER FASHION SHOW IN MONTREAL appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Pinkarnaval, a “prêt-a-porter carnival”, was the wild introduction to this year’s Just for Laughs festival. It was a parade, perfomance and party celebrating dance, theatre, street arts and music. There were dancers, musicians, circus performers and hundreds of Montrealers dressed in JPG’s signature stripes. It was, in the words of Pinkarnaval artistic director Danielle Roy, right up the designer’s alley: “Jean Paul Gaultier takes a playful, lighthearted and humorous look at society. Our intention is to give back to the street and to society the elements that inspired the ‘enfant terrible’ of the fashion world. His vision of dance, live shows and cinema blends well with the carnivalesque universe.” I think the video above shows they pretty much nailed it.

The designer’s irreverent exhibition, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, has been getting rave reviews from around the world. It’s no surprise why: it’s an innovative remix of the dry, boring retrospective and Gaultier himself has been on hand to show Montreal that the love goes both ways…

The post PINKARNAVAL: A JEAN PAUL GAULTIER-INSPIRED PARADE appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

(free to be funny) The Just for Laughs outdoor events start with the colourful bang of Pinkarnaval, a 1600-person parade on Saturday, July 16, followed by the “Striped Ball” on Sunday at Place des Festivals, where everyone is encouraged to wear stripes as an homage to designer Jean Paul Gaultier! The next week, July 21–24, street art and theatre has its day at Place des Festivals too, with music, dancing (Victor’s Follies Cabaret & Le Grand Bisou has something interactive in store), World-Record breaking ukulele playing, and a little something from the world’s best knife thrower, The Great Throwdini (I’m seriously not making this stuff up, people). And the final JFL weekend, July 28–31, sees stars of Quebec comedy on the outdoor stage, plus Saturday’s Parade of Twins – yes, real life (and some not-so-real-life) twins, triplets and quadruplets, dressed up, in a parade. Only at Just For Laughs, and only in Montreal…

(crazy town) The lovable black sheep of Just For Laughs, Zoofest takes us on the off-beat path with the Local Montréal program – free tours (in English and French) of many of Montreal’s strange and artistic nooks and crannies. Also, not quite free, but if you do the math and go to, say, 10 or more Zoofest shows, then their $39 festival pass works out to you getting to see all those shows for pretty much free. (This kind of math is why I don’t do my own taxes anymore, just fyi). And, since many a Zoofest performer has gone on to notoriety, you’ll have the added bonus of getting to say you saw ‘em first.

(park life) Every summer, Parc La Fontaine becomes a relaxing and jovial respite in the middle of one of Montreal’s more happening residential neighbourhoods (and, hey, it’s near La Banquise – poutine in the park never hurts). Théâtre de Verdure adds to the simple joys of sitting in the park with a full roster of entertainment. On July 10 at 4 p.m., they bring in the Orchestre Métropolitain, directed by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and on July 18 at 7:30 p.m., Alain Trudel directs some of the best young musicians in Canada through some of the classics of classical music. There’s also the contemporary dance stylings of Louise Bédard Danse, July 9–13, films under the stars all month long, plus music and more.

(flying trapeze) If spectacle is what you’re after, look no further than Festival Complètement Cirque– alongside the circus festival’s many indoor shows, free outdoor programming pervades for almost all of July. Down at the Quays of the Old Port see the acrobatic feats of Cirque Carpe Diem every afternoon and evening (4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.) – and try out the trapeze yourself! The Minutes shows in the Latin Quarter (St-Denis between Ontario and Ste-Catherine) happen throughout the fest too, with acrobats and clowns popping up here and there, sometimes when we least expect it. And on July 10, 12 and 17, see Varia, a show of equestrian feats from the Innocenti Family and their nine horses, at TOHU.

(island paradise) The famed Carifiesta parade turns downtown Montreal into a blocks-long party on the afternoon of July 9 – Montreal’s Caribbean community is in fine form and proves it with teams of dancers, marching musicians, colourful floats and, of course, many a carnivale-requisite scantily clad and brightly feathered lady. Meanwhile, over at the beautiful Parc Jean-Drapeau on June 9, the Caribbean isle of Jamaica comes to Montreal with food, music and fun for the whole family. The park’s Weekends du Monde series continues every weekend of the month with entertainment and edibles from Latin America, China, the Mediterranean, Cuba, and beyond.

(dreams of africa) Festival International Nuits d’Afrique takes over Place des Festivals in downtown Montreal from July 21–24, beginning with a free outdoor show from “Africa’s dancefloor king” Meiway and Le Zo Gang at 9:30 p.m. On July 22, see Zal Sisskho on the kora and singer Hakim Salhi, and on July 23 it’s the stars of Soukous, and on July 24, see Burkina Faso percussionist Dramane Koné. But it’s not all about music appreciation: check out a photography and poster exhibition, learn some essential capoeira and samba moves. Consult the full schedule for all indoor and outdoor shows from over 57 artists from 32 countries at the fest.

(urban paradise) Montreal history museum The McCord Museum has somehow managed to grow what they’re calling an Urban Forest, right in the middle of downtown Montreal – the landscaped area takes over Victoria Street (from Sherbrooke to President-Kennedy Avenue) and offers respite from the traffic and noise of the city. Dutch landscape architect Paula Meijerink brings her vision to the pedestrian zone, paired with lunch-hour activities from Tuesday to Saturday, the launch of Spacing Magazine on July 20 at 6:30 p.m.

(unity in diversity) At the end of the month, comes Divers/Cité, July 25–31, a celebration of LGBT pride in Montreal. A feast of outdoor entertainment begins on July 28 with the longest-running cabaret variety show in Quebec: 1, Boulevard des Rêves, featuring 16 artists, including Misstress Barbara, Elisapie Isaac, Marie Carmen and Joey Arias (in his homage to Klaus Nomi). On July 29, welcome the Friends for Life bike riders as they roll in from Toronto at 3:30 p.m., followed by music from New Society dance party DJs until midnight. Saturday night brings on Mascara: La Nuit des Drags, a three-hour singing and dancing drag queen extravaganza – followed by a dance party, of course. Rounding out the weekend on Sunday is Le Grand Bal, where disco, pop and techno fill Parc Émilie-Gamelin.

The post FREE THINGS TO DO IN MONTREAL: JULY appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

My culinary cuisine is an additional aptitude that I be blessed avec. Epicurean delights gush from my various high-end apparati for cuisining. I have oodles of apps for cooking, but I don’t utilize any of them. Instead I just let me palate guide me. I feel the spices, the oils and the produce. They speak to me. I fuse my cuisine and my design in my edibles.

The sole being that could even verge on comprehension of my lifestyle aesthetic would be the nonpareil Jean Paul Gaultier. The divine celestial being of haute-couture, design and vision. He virtually compiled the publication on intrepid fashion. This is why the only important thing to do this summer is the Jean-Paul Gaultier exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Can you imagine of anything more sublime? I am certain you can not. From June to October in Montreal, it promises to be an effusive event teeming with fashion, sketches, video and multimedia interaction. Bringing it to another plane of wondrousness, mannequins will have visages projected on them. How futuristique! I just, I just adore him. I idolize every morsel of his being. I breathe le Male, I am le Classique, and I bathe in Madame.

There are divers reasons for my elation about this exhibition. The couture, men in skirts, the enfant terrible! I’m budgeting how many times I will go between June 17 and October 2, 2011.

I Bid Adieu!

-Apelope.

The post JEAN PAUL GAULTIER EXHIBIT BY APELOPE appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

The JPG exhibit premieres here in Montreal and will subsequently travel to Dallas and then San Francisco. But why not come here during the summer, Montreal’s most seductive season? And why not see the made-in-Quebec exhibit in the city where it was born. There’s no other designer on the planet as creative, talented and provocative as Mr. Gaultier. A talented, homegrown team has put together the ultimate showcase of a most enchanting career – thus far. I know, I’m gushing.

Some key observations: The first novelty that guests encounter are the talking mannequins – which you just have to see to believe. Second, JPG’s illustrious portfolio spanning 35 years is not displayed chronologically but by theme, more specifically “boudoir, skin deep, punk cancan, urban jungle and metropolis”. Third, rooms are painted black, and as such lend a slightly eerie (in a good way), surreal ambience. A midsummer night’s dream, indeed.

In another unusual twist, Montreal will also welcome a massive parade in Gaultier’s honour on July 16, starting at the Museum and culminating at Quartier des Spectacles, where a JPG-fest will ensue. I heard that the honouree may show up to checkout the hoopla, but that hasn’t been confirmed as of yet.

I’d also like to add that, for those who want a bit of Gaultier to take home with them, there’s a catalog jam-packed with JPG photos, historical tidbits and celebrity anecdotes that’s available exclusively at the museum. More fashion-inclined shoppers can also pick up the classic mariner shirts at the MMFA gift shop or across the street at Holt Renfrew. So you’ll be able to have your stripes – and wear them too.

A

THE DETAILS

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, June 17-October 2, 2011

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke Street West, (514) 285-2000

The post JEAN PAUL GAULTIER RETROSPECTIVE IN MONTREAL appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

There are several ways to enjoy JFL and almost infinite combinations of ways to get your yuks. Things get pretty hilarious around here from July 5 to July 31. Here are 5 sure bets to split your sides at Just For Laughs:

Free falling: The cheapest, or actually free-est, way is to enjoy the outdoor events that happen on the streets during Just for Laughs. These include something called a Pinkarnaval, that includes a ready-to-wear show involving Jean-Paul Gaultier during the first weekend, then a “street art” themed sub-fest the second weekend, which will include a hip-hop battle and an international Buskerfest, so bring your loose change. Weekend three is the time for something awesome called Abbamania, and the Twins Parade, which we really can’t get enough of.

See Stars: JFL is a magnet for stars. This year’s constellation includes Eddie Izzard, Colin Quinn doing Long Story Short (a one-man stand directed by Jerry Seinfeld), Craig Ferguson, and Russell Peters. For the weirdos among you, there’s Tim Minchin. And the list goes on.

Gala Gorgeousness: Also, Russell Peters selects a lineup of his favourite comedy acts. So does Craig Ferguson. Craig Ferguson! My late-night crush, my Mr. Wick from the Drew Carey Show. Did you know he’s also a pilot? JFL has also launched a series of “themed” galas, in which a roster of comedians will perform on a chosen topic. As per tradition, galas are hosted by somebody famous who MCs the show and also does bits of monologue interspersed with the other performances. There’s Modern Love: The Relationship Show, hosted by Eric Stonestreet of Modern Family, and The Decline of the American Empire?, a political-themed gala hosted by The Daily Show’s John Oliver.

Club Mentality: This year, the fest’s wildly popular club shows are all under one banner: The One Stop World tour, which includes the Best of Britcom, O’Comics (the fest’s eternally popular Irish comics show) and Late Night Down Under. There’s still an Ethnic Show and a Homegrown Comics show, too.

Get nasty: Unlike Janet Jackson, the only thing I like better than a nasty groove is The Nasty Show. My favourite of all JFL club shows has always been this very dark, very risqué club show, which has introduced me to all my favourite comedians: Louis C.K., Doug Stanhope, Patrice O’Neal, the list goes on. See them here first before they hit the big time, then feel smug that you liked them before everybody else did. Louis C. K., in fact, returns to the festival this year to accept his Person of the Year award. Plus, there’s now a version for the ladies, called Nasty Girls ‘Night Out. And remember, her first name ain’t baby, it’s Janet/Ms. Jackson if you’re nasty.

The post JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL 2011: BEST BETS appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

1. Patio hop the Gay Village during Aires Libres

Every single bar, restaurant, café, has a patio outside on the pedestrianized St. Catherine this summer. Literally HOP between them. Jump over one and onto the other. Must order something, and enjoy it, at each one. First one to Papineau wins a prize I just made up.

2. Bixi through the Gay Village

Exercise, pick up guys, and look fabulous all at the same time? Y’all must be bixing through the Gay Village.

3. Shop until you drop

With the St. Catherine’s closed to automotive traffic, shopping could not be easier! You work out those muscles like crazy, time to let your wallet do the heavy lifting. See my guide to Shopping in the Gay Village.

4. Go see DJ Shawn Riker spin at Parking

Saturday June 4^th, 2011 @ Parking Nightclub.

5. Go to the new Gay night at Pure Nightclub

Located on the edge of the Village, this was never actually a gay club. However, now they’re launching a new Gay night every Sunday called “Festivity!” DJ Kidd Mike on Sunday June 5^th, 2011.

6. Go see the “Blanc de Mémoire” exhibition

An emotional, evocative exhibit about HIV/AIDS by photographer Marc-André Goulet featuring many artists including Jean-Pierre Pérusse and Kat Coric, at L’ecomusée du fier monde (2050 Amherst, Montreal)

7.   Gay out on Fashion at the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit “From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk”

From June 17 to October 2, the work of l’enfant terrible Jean Paul Gaultier will be featured at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. From his first ready-to-wear collection in 1976 to his haute-couture line launching in 1997, JPG has been pushing the limits and ignoring status quo, all while creating breathtaking, wearable art.

8. Go see Rihanna in Concert

After fumbling a bit in her “Rated R” days, she’s back to Princess RiRi form with her new album and tour “LOUD”. Gone is the solemn, sad material and back with a vengeance is the spunky Barbados pop princess we all know and love. Two dates in Montreal: June 10 & 11 @ the Bell Center.

9.  Go to the 9^th Birthday Party of Club Unity

On Saturday June 18^, it will be the glamorous 9^th anniversary of Village institution Club Unity. It is being called the “POPLIFE Party”, and details are scarce at the moment, but I’m sure they will throw a massive bash. No cover before 11PM.

10. Attempt to do 5 shots/5 bars, 5 beers/5 bars, and 5 cocktails/5 bars all in 5 hours

I’m not saying it’s a good idea. I’m just saying it is an idea. I’m putting it out there just as a possible thing someone going on a bender could attempt. I’ve seen the gays drink, and I know a few of them have the stamina for it. This mission, should you choose to accept it, would most certainly guarantee you a cookie that I will personally bake. Get inspired below:

11.  Go for brunch on Amherst

After completing task #10, you might want to eat brunch to make you feel a little less close to death. Try “De Farine et D’eau Fraiche” (1701 Amherst) or l’Ouefrier (1441 Amherst) for some delicious mid-afternoon food. If they’re crowded, just peruse the street for a few hidden gems! Or maybe all you’ll be able to stomach is Liquid Nutrition…

12. Check out the views of the Gay Village

Seeing some cool rooftop terraces of the Gay Village is a must. Drugstore, Sky and Unity all have incredible rooftop views of the Village, the Jacques Cartier Bridge and down into the Old Port. Hint: The rooftop of Sky has a hot tub and a pitcher of Sangria called “Le Girafe”. It’s about as large as my entire torso.

13.  Go Outside the Village and party like it’s 2012

In the poetic verse of Britney Spears: Keep on dancing till the world ends. If Britney says it, we must obey. So take in one of the many outside-the-village gay parties! Will update with dates when they become available.

14. Get your Fringe on

Anything and everything can happen at Montreal’s Fringe Fest from May 30 to June 19. The gays love the diverse performances, the accepting atmosphere, the kinky, the sweaty, the sweety, the dirty, the funny, the whatever Fringe can throw at us. With over 500 performers this year, Fringe is all about discovery. So, what will you find?

15. Submit your Application to be Queer of the Year

The deadline for Queer of the Year has been extended until June 17! They have people from all over the world applying! Why? Because you get a free trip to Montreal (all expenses paid) and you get to compete against fellow queers for the crown and 5000 dollars!

DETAILS

The post GAY MONTREAL: JUNE appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

In the 1980s, he sent men in skirts down the runway. In the ’90s, he put Madonna on stage in the infamous cone bra for her Blond Ambition Tour. Sources say the avant-garde French designer, whose daring coups over the years earned him the nickname “enfant terrible”, is excited about attending the June 17 premiere of his career retrospective in Montreal, which marks the 35th anniversary of the couturier’s own label.

Like the late McQueen, Gaultier stands out not only because of his technique but because of his art, identity and influence upon the world. “I wanted to create an exhibition on Jean Paul Gaultier more than any other couturier because of his great humanity,” said Nathalie Bondil, Director and Chief Curator of the Montreal Musem of Fine Arts.

Certainly, Jean Paul Gaultier’s avant-garde creations have always toyed with public perception of the human condition and social issues like gender roles and identity. His work has served as art and social commentary. For example, he’s known for using models who break the industry stereotype (think gender-bending, age, tattoos and piercings). Ultimately, though, his designs are also beautiful and ultimately wearable — and always with a sense of humour. Just like his vision of the world.

Organized in collaboration with the Maison Jean Paul Gaultier, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts’ exhibit is called The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. Organized in six sections that thematically correspond to Gaultier’s creative development, the highly-anticipated show features some 120 ensembles Gaultier created between 1976 and 2010 (from both couture and pret-a-porter). Also on the menu are fashion photography and contemporary art by legends like Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, David LaChapelle, Mario Testino and Steven Klein, to name but a few. Many of these prints are on loan and have never before been seen by the public.

True to the couturier’s cutting-edge and playful aesthetic, a highlight of the exhibit will be thirty mannequins, their faces brought to life by audiovisual projection (created by local theatre company UBU)- Melissa Auf der Maur and Suzie Leblanc are among a handful of Montreal celebrities who lent their faces and voices to the mannequins.

Gaultier is well-known for his artistic collaborations with pop stars, filmmakers and leaders of contemporary dance. He’s worked with not only Madonna, but also Kylie Minogue, Pedro Almodovar, Peter Greenaway, Luc Besson, Jean-Pierre Jeunet and many more. The exhibit also includes sketches, stage costumes, multimedia film and video excerpts from the couturier’s work with concerts, videos, dance and television.

(Oh, and by the way, the cone bra is reportedly back, as part of Gaultier’s new 23-piece collection for La Perla lingerie.)

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, June 17-October 2, 2011

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke West, (514) 285-2000

A

Guest Blogger Simona Rabinovitch is a Montreal native who lives Brooklyn, New York. She covers arts, culture, travel and entertainment-type stuff for the Huffington Post, Globe & Mail, ELLE Canada, Lonely Planet, Zink, DazedDigital and more.

Photo Credit: ©Mathieu Baumer, ©William Mazzoleni

The post THE FASHION WORLD OF JEAN PAUL GAULTIER IN MONTREAL appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Yes, I’m sorry to report that Couture King Jean Paul Gaultier has left the building – that is, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

But don’t fret, fellow fashion fanatics. He’ll be back sooner than you think to launch his retrospective The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, which makes its international debut right here in Montreal before continuing on to Dallas and San Francisco. Mark your calendars now, people: June 17 to October 2, 2011.

Lucky, lucky me. (I do love my job!) I got to meet The Man at a hush hush press conference to officially announce this up-coming event. Full of energy – and anecdotes! – Gaultier clearly charmed the small gathering of starry-eyed journalists, including Fashion Television host Jeanne Beker who sat in the front row.

On the heels of two more style icon exhibitions, Yves Saint Laurent and Denis Gagnon (the latter presently on view), JPG’s show promises to be a major crowd pleaser, showcasing 120 of his avant-garde ensembles from 1976 to 2010 (Madge’s infamous cone bra is just the tip of the iceberg), Jean Paul’s personal “artefacts” (like “Nana,” his teddy bear and first-ever model), rare photographs, multi-media installations (presenting his cinematic, music video and pop star collaborations), and so much more I’m not at liberty to say… just trust me on this. It is going to be AH-MAY-ZING.

The idea of showcasing “fashion as fine art” was the brainchild of the museum’s lovely director, Nathalie Bondil. And it’s thanks to her that JPG’s first ever retrospective is here in Montreal. (Sorry Paris!). Set to cover about 1,500 square metres of space (yup, it’s huge), Gaultier’s colourful and oft controversial career will be showcased under five themes: Paris, Fusions, Multi-Gender, Eurotrash/X-Rated, and Metropolis. A 424-page tome will also be sold through the museum; I’m told it will be jam-packed with photos, illustrations, and 40 exclusive interviews with his mentors, muses, and a fabulous circle of friends like Madonna, Catherine Deneuve, and Martin Margiela.

Are you weak in the knees yet? I know I was nervous meeting Mr. Gaultier today. But see our photo below: Don’t we look cosy? He’s so warm and generous and genuine…and, oh yes, talented. I’ve already started the countdown till summer.

THE DETAILS

What: The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk

Where: The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts [www.mmfa.qc.ca],

When: June 17 to October 2, 2011

The post JEAN PAUL GAULTIER WAS HERE appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.