Jean Paul Gaultier’s fall 1993 season, titled “Chic Rabbis,” invited both praise and criticism, which was nothing new for the designer. It was inspired, as he told it, by a trip to NY, where he became infatuated with the traditional garments of orthodox Jewish men. He sent women down the runway in Hasidic garb, including fur hats, long tailored coats, and curled wigs. The immediate response was positive, and Gaultier claimed it was a stand against rising anti-Semitic sentiments throughout Europe, but as news of the collection disseminated, it came under assault from various sides for its tastelessness, and notably offended the Hasidic people he meant to reference by putting their menswear upon women. It has endured as both a sign of how Gaultier’s fearlessness could veer into recklessness, and as a snapshot of his sartorial prowess, as the season’s runway contained some of his finest tailoring.

This iconic hat appeared on both the men’s and women’s runways and was popular enough in its time to see re-releases under Gaultier’s “Classique” label in following years.

Condition: 9/10. No significant flaws. Original tag included.

Tagged size: L