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

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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

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Montreal Buzz visited The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to get an exclulsive look at the uncrating of China’s incredible 2000-year-old Terracotta Army Warriors…

The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 in a well in eastern China. Often referenced as the eighth wonder of the world, the site was added to the official list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1987. The soldiers were buried over 2,000 years ago with the first emperor of China, whose name was Qin. He specifically stated that no two soldiers were to be made alike. The head, arms, legs and torsos were created separately and then assembled. Studies show that eight face moulds were most likely used and then clay was added to provide individual facial features. The terracotta life-size and life-like figures were placed in the pits in precise military formation according to rank and duty.

They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance with rank. The coloured lacquer finish, individual facial features and actual weapons and armour from battle used in manufacturing these figures created a realistic appearance. The exhibition features 10 life-sized complete terracotta figures and one wonderful horse.

It is open to the public from February 11-June 26.

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DETAILS

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

1380 Sherbrooke West

(514) 285-1600

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In anticipation of the blockbuster The Warrior Emperor exhibit at the Museum (February – June 26 2011), there is an Aladdin’s table full of treasures: small sculpted copies of the warriors; gleaming lacquer trays and plates; delicately-worked silks – even a laptop case in shimmering primary red. Echoing the Asian mood is another table, laden with gift ideas in blue and white china ($7.95 and up): urns, small decorative bottles, a large serving platter. All are splendid.

The central showcase exhibits a myriad of jewellery options – chokers, necklaces, clunky bracelets, shiny rings, and gorgeous glam earrings. I spent about an hour lost in the Book Department. Colourful coffee table volumes are a gift to be shared, and there is a vast choice in French and English. The latest street art / graffiti books are also available for the more urban in your guest list

Oh, and the Children’s Department is charming. Educational books and cuddly teddy bears beckon. Here are a few of my favourite things in the boutiques.

M BOUTIQUE

- Watches: clean, simple designs. For men and women. $150 – $300
- African Mask. Around $500+
- Necklaces: Perfect accessory for any LBD (little black dress). All under $100
- Fashion books, stunning one-of-a-kind scarves for the stocking.
- Agendas: A neutral-but-lovely present.
- Music: There is a wide  choice of CDs from different artist’s eras. Music from the time of Cezanne, Monet, Vermeer….$12.95
- Cake place mats: Charming! Fifty tear-off paper mats $24.95
- Botanical placemats : Perfect house gift! $69.95
- Art print.  There is a huge variety, and if you are not sure, get a Gift Certificate.

DESIGN SPACE SHOP

If you don’t find quite what you are looking for at M Boutique, then wander over to the Design Space next door. In fact, it is my go-to shop for quick and fabulous gifts. For fun, fashion – and cleanly contemporary – this is your one-stop.

- Design key chains $4.95
- Head scratcher  $5.95 (sounds strange, but people love it: also acts as a stress-buster!)
- Frog Prince   $6.95  (who doesn’t want to kiss a frog and get a…..!)
- Computer cases: Fun ones $26.95 – $50.00. Sophisticated: beautiful leather quilted (red or black)  $83.95
- Space Invader Clock  $34.95
- A Calder mobile   $624.95. For the special someone who has everything
- Frank Lloyd Wright Collection of architecturally-inspired gloves and wallets $32.95 +
- Pen.  They are unique and range from $22.95 – $112.95
- A tie.  Okay, if you must. But, these are special.  $49. – $74.95
- Pantone Universe pieces:  luggage tags  $22.95, card Holder $21.95, and a shopping bag size $75.95.  Buy it in her favourite colour – Pantone-perfect!

And finally, for a perfect corporate gift, the Design Boutique has a super collection of Eskimo sculptures, with prices at all levels.

DETAILS

MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
1380 Sherbrooke Street West
tel: 514.285-1600

HOURS:

Monday Closed
Tuesday 11 am – 6 pm
Wednesday 11 am – 9 pm
Thursday and Friday  11 am – 6 pm
Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 5 pm

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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

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Yesterday, Montreal’s whos’who of art and fashion gathered at the Montreal Fine Art Museum for the opening of DENIS GAGNON SHOWS ALL, a contemporary art installation about Montreal’s edgiest fashion designer: Denis Gagnon.

The installation, which takes up a single, large room featuring a giant inverted pyramid hanging from the ceiling, was built in collaboration with architect Gilles Saucier and photographer Martin Laporte. It is an invitation to explore the sinews of Gagnon’s creative mind. We asked Denis Gagnon, Gilles Saucier and Museum Director Nathalie Bondil to explain some of the ideas behind this daring new exhibit. Following, the 1963 Pierre Cardin and 2009 Yves St-Laurent exhibitions, it is only the third time that Montreal’s Fine Art Museum features a fashion designer within its walls.

The exhibit is free and held until february 13th, 2011.

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