Madonna and Gautier, the power of A WOMAN & A STAR
- Johnny Qi
- 29 nov. 2021
- 3 min de lecture
Mix and uncertainty have always been part of Jean Paul Gaultier's brand. He is very good at blurring the boundary between male and female, which is why we can see many models full of neutral elements in his clothing design, such as gentleman-like female models and male models wearing skirts and lace fabrics. He took the concept of gender to the extreme, and the image he created of men in sailor suits and women in corsets became an unforgettable brand label.
However, his inner freedom and rebellion, as well as his attitude to diversity and uniqueness, fully make the brand break away from the inherent gender impression. In fact, it's not hard to find that all of Jean Paul Gaultier's men's fragrances smell more neutral compared to other brands men's fragrances with tobacco, leather, wood as the base notes. For Jean Paul Gaultier's women's fragrances, the overall scent is seductive and glamour, but in the meanwhile with a touch of calm and sophisticated. Jean-paul Gaultier argued that women have many facets, that they can be powerful and weak at the same time.
When it comes to women power, we have to mention Madonna and the legendary cone bra. The cone bra is one of Madonna's most famous and recognized stage costumes from her Blond Ambition Tour, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier in 1990.
In this classic work, we see femininity combining sex appeal and aggression. Jean Paul Gaultier elevated seduction to provocation, projecting a feminine power.
Wearing a cone corset, Madonna showed off the beauty of the female body, but also showed off the strength of the female, like a woman warrior in armor. In Madonna's words: "From now on a bra doesn't have to be hidden under a coat. It allows me to express myself."
Undoubtedly, it is this clever combination of retro and modern that has made it one of the best-known iconic works, and it has become a sign of times. Female power has always been part of Gaultier's fashion philosophy. "The budding of female sexual freedom in the 1960s culminated in Gaultier's cone corset for Madonna's concert tour." "Said fashion critic Suzy Menkes.
The outfit quickly launched Gaultier's career and cemented his relationship with the iconic singer. Madonna has been the brand's Muse for years. Gaultier went on to design stage costumes for Many of Madonna's concert Tours, and she even appeared as a model in his spring/summer '95 collection. They even attended the 2018 Met Gala together, where Madonna continued to wear Gaultier's designs, showcasing their unchanging friendship for nearly 30 years.
Gaultier and Madonna certainly complement each other, his design philosophy is to take the most basic style, plus "destruction" treatment or fusion, full display of exaggeration and humor, avant-garde, classical and strange mixture. It was in keeping with Madonna's image of edgy, sexy, stylish and surprising at the time.
Therefore, Madonna, as an iconic singer, undoubtedly best represents and interprets the essence of Jean Paul Gaultier's brand. She is also one of the symbols of the brand. At that time, Madonna's star effect brings great exposure and popularity to the brand. And Gaultier as a designer, through his talent and inspiration, better express the image that Madonna wanted to present.
Jean Paul Gaultier has collaborated with other stars after Madonna, and his criteria for choosing his collaborating stars have not changed, which is to fit his brand's ethos. In fact, no matter for stars or consumers, a major factor in choosing a brand is to see whether the concept and value of the brand are compatible with what they want.
(All the pictures are from Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact us to delete, thank you!)
by Johnny Qi
29/11/2021
References
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