Jean Paul Gaultier is set to take over as chief designer at the house of Hermes, the first time the creative Frenchman has designed for any label other than his own.
The platinum-haired fashion icon is taking over the ready-to-wear collection from Martin Margiela, starting with the autumn/winter 2004 presentation. "We will be sad to see Martin Margiela go, but we are very excited about working with Gaultier," said a spokesperson for the company. Hermes paid $23 million for a 35 per cent stake in Gaultier's label in 1999.
Jean Paul's links with the celebrity world are extensive. He designed the famous cone-bra outfits that glammed up Madonna's 1990 Blonde Ambition tour, and was also behind the dramatic costumes used in the films The Fifth Element and The Cook, The Thief, His Wife And Her Lover.
More recently, Nicole Kidman wore one of the designer's creations as she won her 2003 Oscar. Actress and Yves St Laurent muse Catherine Deneuve named Gaultier as a front-runner as her favourite couturier.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
