Jean-Paul Gaultier, better known for his over-the-top, yet artistic haute couture designs, reigned in his inclinations toward extravagance and presented a very wearable collection during this season’s fashion week in Paris.  Coats that were two-tone felt and fur, versatile sweaters, half leather and half wool trenches, among an extremely high-end variety of seasonal/trend-worthy styles, helped to create one of the most sensible ready-to-wear collections from Gaultier in a long time.  But let’s not ignore the flair that describes the Jean-Paul Gaultier brand; exaggeratedly youthful looking models were styled with old lady bouffants . . . age meets youth,  and the clothes seemed purposefully mature.  Starting the show was 40-something French comedienne Valérie Lemercier with her hair styled in a bouffant. Then the models came out, tossing their coats into a pile at the end of the runway.  I’m not sure what that statement was, but as are all art forms, my interpretation is subjective.  Was Gaultier mocking his critics, discarding provincial fashion attitudes, embracing a more hipster philosophy? Or maybe he’s just trying something new!

Check out the Jean-Paul Gaultier Ready-to-Wear Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 show during Paris Fashion Week at Atelier Jean-Paul Gaultier on March 5, 2011 in Paris, France.  Photographed by Dominique Charriau.