What do cone bras, The Fifth Element and avant-garde couture have in common? Jean Paul Gaultier, of course, reigning Enfant Terrible of the fashion world. In honor of the famed designer, The Brooklyn Museum will host "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk," from Oct. 25 through Feb. 23, 2014.
Gaultier shares a special connection with New York City, describing the city as "a place where you can go around the world in one day," which makes it fitting that The Brooklyn Museum is the only East Coast venue included in the international exhibition. Exclusive to The Brooklyn Museum's presentation will be stage costumes worn by BeyoncĆ©, new additions to his recent haute couture and prĆŖt-Ć -porter collections, as well as Madonna's iconic corsets from the Blond Ambition World Tour, never before seen in New York.
Initiated and produced by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the theatrically inclined show is divided into seven thematic sections that represent the range of cultures and countercultures that Gaultier's work has embraced. High fashion is infused with daring art, a concept central to Gaultier's work. His designs transcend their original purpose, to merely be worn and be seen, by displaying beauty born of difference.
For more information on the exhibit, click here.