Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibit Continues its Catwalk in San Francisco

The fashion industry would not be the same if it weren’t for iconic French designer Jean Paul Gaultier. After premiering his first ready-to-wear collection in 1976 he went on to become an icon in French couture designs. Finally, they have made their way to the U.S. in an up-close-and-personal museum exhibit at the de Young Museum in San Francisco.

The openly gay Gaultier uses his designs to tackle gender and transgender issues through androgynous, gender-bending styles, meanwhile delving even further into some of the darker areas of the sexual revolution. Always provocative, he addresses issues of multiculturalism by bringing ethnic diversity to the Paris runway. Despite the gritty and sometimes controversial context of his collections, the clothes remain beautiful, superbly crafted with the finest dressmaking and detailing skills.

Whether you live on the left coast or are thinking of a visit, a stop in to this fashion wonderland is a must. The exhibit of Out’s cover star runs throughout the summer and boasts mixed media projection screens on mannequins, sketches, archival documents, fashion photographs, and video clips -- on talking mannequins! -- that showcase Gaultier’s collaborations with filmmakers, choreographers, and musicians. Of course lots of Madonna, who made his cone bra an infamous part of pop culture. During your stay consider checking into the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, newly renovated to a tune of 70 mill earlier this year.

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk runs through August 19, 2012. Check out a preview slideshow, here.