The Best of Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture

The Spring 2020 Haute Couture season is upon us and we couldn’t be more excited. The only downside? The season will mark Jean Paul Gaultier‘s last runway presentation. The famous French designer, aka fashion’s enfant terrible, is set to take his final bow tomorrow after a remarkable 50 years in the business. Gaultier created his eponymous label in 1982, immediately setting the industry ablaze with his innovative and groundbreaking designs (like Madonna‘s now iconic conical bra). In 2015, he announced he was shutting down his ready-to-wear label so he could focus on haute couture and now he’s decided to shut down his Parisian atelier. (Technically, Gaultier said “Haute Couture will continue with a new concept” on Twitter so stay tuned.) To celebrate Gaultier’s last trip down the haute couture catwalk, we’re taking a look back at his finest haute couture collections, from way back in the late 90s all the way up to last season. Click through the slideshow above to witness some of the greatest creations the French couturier sent down the runway.

Best of Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture

Spring 1998 Haute Couture

All eyes were on Jean Paul Gaultier in January 1998 as he presented a magnificently modern take on the Age of Enlightenment.

Images: Daniel SIMON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Spring 2002 Haute Couture

Mixing high and low with ease, Gaultier took us on a journey through a torrid night on the streets of Paris complete with a topless Naomi Campbell.

Images: JEAN-PIERRE MULLER/AFP via Getty Images, JEAN-PIERRE MULLER/AFP via Getty Images, THIERRY ORBAN/Sygma via Getty Images
Fall 2004 Haute Couture

There were capes galore for the Fall 2004 Haute Couture outing, made of leather, suede, fur, velvet and wool in an array of colors.

Images: Pool BASSIGNAC/BENAINOUS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Fall 2009 Haute Couture

Blond bombshell Lara Stone opened the show, setting the tone for the glamorous looks to follow.

Images: Dominique Charriau/WireImage/Getty Images, PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP via Getty Images, Dominique Charriau/WireImage/Getty Images
Spring 2012 Haute Couture

Inspired by Amy Winehouse, models sported voluminous updos, winged eye makeup, beauty marks, pencil skirts and Gaultier's take on a polo shirt.

Images: Imaxtree
Fall 2013 Haute Couture

A collection that would make Cruella de Vil blush full of furs, voluminous shapes and leopard prints.

Images: Imaxtree
Spring 2014 Haute Couture

Built around butterflies, the collection was brimming with beautiful reinterpretations punctuated by burlesque diva Dita Von Teese hitting the runway decked out in a vibrant corseted creation.

Images: Imaxtree
Spring 2016 Haute Couture

The designer focused on the glory days of Parisian nightspot Le Palace for his Spring 2016 Haute Couture outing with models Rianne ten Haken and Anna Cleveland emulating the flamboyant and decadent mood perfectly.

Images: Imaxtree
Fall 2017 Haute Couture

Gaultier made us want to hit the slopes after presenting his ski-chic Fall 2017 Haute Couture spectacular.

Images: Imaxtree
Fall 2019 Haute Couture

Everything from leopard prints to strong silhouettes to rich furs to a juicy color palette were present at his latest haute couture collection, a nod to past collections and a showcase of pure craftsmanship.

Images: Imaxtree