Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) unveiled “CinéMode par Jean Paul Gaultier” at the university’s international campus in Lacoste, France on May 1. On view until September 30, the exhibition was curated under the creative direction of the French fashion designer, Jean Paul Gaultier, in collaboration with Matthieu Orléan and Florence Tissot. The concept came to light in co-organization from the “La Caixa” Foundation and La Cinémathèque Française. “CinéMode” at SCAD Lacoste sheds light on Gaultier’s personal inspirations and imaginations in the glamorous cinematic world and how it translates into fashion.
Inside “CinéMode par Jean Paul Gaultier”
Installation view of ”CinéMode par Jean Paul Gaultier,” at SCAD Fash Lacoste, photo courtesy of SCAD.
“CinéMode” presents an exciting journey of history in fashion and cinema while demonstrating the cross blend seen on the screen to the runway. Gaultier highlights his passion for designing and lifelong love of film throughout thematic sequences of legendary haute couture and costumes. The exhibit reflects transformative masculine and feminine archetypes illustrating the transgressions found within each piece. The iconic designer is known for his rebellious and provocative collections that merge genres, cultures, and unexpected materials. “CinéMode par Jean Paul Gaultier” is dedicated to an immersive experience that depicts the connection cinema costuming holds in runway fashion.
Jean Paul Gaultier, photo courtesy of SCAD.
“I owe my vocation to the cinema. I would never have become a couturier if I had not seen Jacques Becker’s Falbalas. Filmed in the 1940s, during the last year of World War II, it is the story of a couturier and his muse,” said Gaultier, “When I saw it with my grandmother on TV, we both cried at the end—and I instantly knew what I wanted to become as there was a fashion show in the film. Cinema has been a constant source of inspiration for my collections.”
Jean Paul Gaultier and Pierre Cardin
Installation view of ”CinéMode par Jean Paul Gaultier,” at SCAD Fash Lacoste, photo courtesy of SCAD.
Gaultier’s creative career has been celebrated across the globe with his vast versatility in creating concepts for different occasions. Inside CinéMode the couturier designer showcases his warming relationship with film director, Pierre Cardin, who began his career in film costumes. Gaultier’s designs are featured in Cardin’s films, Kika, Bad Education, and The Skin I Live In. Additionally, this relationship blossomed the designer’s work to be involved in films The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover by Peter Greenaway, The City of Lost Children by Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and The Fifth Element by Luc Besson. CinéMode also paired Gaultier’s cinematic pieces with designers, Marlene Dietrich and Donyale Luna, film costumes.
“I owe my vocation to the cinema. I would never have become a couturier if I had not seen Jacques Becker’s Falbalas,”
— Jean Paul Gaultier
Installation view of ”CinéMode par Jean Paul Gaultier,” at SCAD Fash Lacoste, photo courtesy of SCAD.
SCAD Lacoste held a celebration for the renowned designer on the opening day of “CinéMode par Jean Paul Gaultier.” The creative university opened the room to the university’s students to explore and connect with Gaultier and with representatives from La Cinémathèque française. The day was filled with excitement and curiosity as a panel was held with Gaultier and exhibit co-curator Tissot.
Gaultier’s career began in 1970 at eighteen years old under the direction of Cardin. After many years bouncing around in the industry, Gaultier founded his own fashion house and set his first runway show in 1976. Quickly, success rolled in and he became known as one of the hottest young designers with his rebellious and innovative designs. From the beginning of his career, Gaultier sought to express the multifaceted nature of beauty that could be found in the least expected places. The French designer embraced all aspects of the arts in his designs through music, dance, and film which fueled the extravagance in his designs. Gaultier specializes in designing solely haute couture pieces that grabb the attention of the world. Gaultier’s innovation and storytelling designs have impacted the fashion industry in a creative and passionate way that influences designers today.
Installation view of ”CinéMode par Jean Paul Gaultier,” at SCAD Fash Lacoste, photo courtesy of SCAD.
Installation view of ”CinéMode par Jean Paul Gaultier,” at SCAD Fash Lacoste, photo courtesy of SCAD.
Installation view of ”CinéMode par Jean Paul Gaultier,” at SCAD Fash Lacoste, photo courtesy of SCAD.
