German model and muse, Lexy Hell, shows off some of her tattoos

In the 80s, Jean Paul Gaultier ruled over a unique corner of the fashion landscape, populated by gender-benders, multiculturalists and club kids who hopped from tribe to tribe. Now that fashion’s gone global–literally–his time has come again. But today’s fashion consumers have almost limitless options (some of which reference Jean Paul’s own designs from the past). And that means a true original actually has to run twice as fast just to stay in one place.

Colorful photo murals lined the balcony alcoves inside the show venue

Sometimes, a designer pushes forward, sometimes he looks back–and this Gaultier collection was definitely an example of the latter. It was literally a lineup of his greatest hits: his signature fedoras, costume-like suits, kilts, skirts and body-conscious knitwear all had another moment on the runway.

Jean Paul Gaultier, left, was all smiles after the show

If there are classic JPG pieces you’ve regretted not buying, you’ll find them in this collection–and, if your closet holds vintage Gaultier, now’s the time to pull it out and wear it again. Meanwhile, Jean Paul will keep the hits coming!

––Mark Grischke

Photographs by Stéphane Israël