Jean-Paul Gaultier
Born: April 24, 1952, in Arcueil, France

 

Jean-Paul Gaultier is one of the most talked about and influential couturiers in the world. His designs are always unusual and controversial and he is the darling of the fashion press. In 1952 Jean-Paul Gaultier was born in Arcueil, near Paris. He studied at the Lycee d'Arcueil. When only 14, in 1964 he started sketching his fashion ideas on paper. For 2-3 years, he continued this and then in 1969 he sent designs to all the majordesigners. In 1970 on his birthday, 24th April, he got his first response from Pierre Cardin inviting him to work with him for a year

In 1971 Gaultier joined Jean Patou, the famous couture house, as Asst. to Michael Gomez, then Angelo Tarlazzi. In 1973 he joined Jacques Esterel. Then in 1974 he returned to Pierre Cardin looking after his store in the Philippines, where he designed clothes for Imelda Marcos.

Born: April 24, 1952, in Arcueil, France

First break: Hired as junior member of the House of Cardin (April 24, 1970)

Company founded: 1976

Based in: Paris

Men’s lines: Gaultier Jean's (1992), JPG by Gaultier (1994, unisex), fragrance "Le Mâle" (1995)

Selected awards: Best International Designer at the Fashion Group International's 20th Annual Night of Stars (2003), CFDA's American Fashion Awards International Award (2000), FiFi International Fragrance Award for Technological Breakthrough (2000)

Signature quote: "A man does not wear his masculinity in his clothes."

Worn by: Sting, Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler, Anthony Kiedis, George Michael, Boy George, Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Chris Tucker

Random fact: Former presenter for U.K. television program Eurotrash