Jean-Paul Gaultier re-edits eponymous designer’s famous tattoo outfits

Jean-Paul Gaultier has launched a new capsule collection inspired by its archives. More precisely, by the famous tattoo theme introduced for the first time in the label’s Spring/Summer 1994 collection called Les Tatouages (Tattoos), which featured flesh-coloured and sheer skin-tight outfits decorated with colourful tribal motifs.

The new collection by creative director Florence Tétier, simply called ‘Tattoo’, is characterised by an array of tattoo designs printed on tops, skirts and body-hugging stretch tulle jumpsuits. The prints are featured all-over on some items, while they simply accent the clothes in others, for example longline dresses and transparent bodysuits that paint the female body in its most resplendent nudity.

For the first time since 2009, Jean-Paul Gaultier has introduced new versions of a tattooed sailor-style top combining stripes and traditional Japanese tattoos, featured in wrap-front jumpers, pareos, trousers and turtleneck tops. Tattoos with esoteric graphics are also printed on some scarves.

The collection includes trompe l’oeil items such as faux-denim tops, swimsuits, sheer-effect knitwear replicating a naked female body, and sweatshirts decorated with the ‘Safe Sex Forever’ tattoo slogan, created by Jean-Paul Gaultier in 1996. Additionally, there are leather and denim items, suits, casual tops, bodysuits, dresses, and the label’s famous corsets with pointed breast cups.
 
The collection is available from October 6 on the Jean-Paul Gaultier e-shop and at select multi-brand retailers. It is promoted by a rather wacky campaign that follows the adventures of two night owls, model Mia Kidis and Dominican actress and model Omahyra Mota, a muse to Gaultier in the 2000s. The campaign has been lensed by New Zealand-born artist and photographer Sharna Osborne.

“The label’s archives are incredibly modern. By revamping the body-hugging clothes scattered across all our most iconic collections, I wanted to celebrate the kind of Gualtier woman who likes to party while maintaining a professional attitude, like a cabaret dancer,” said Tétier in a press release.