JEAN PAUL GAULTIER WAS HERE

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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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