With no formal fashion education to boast of, Jean Paul Gaultier established himself in the ‘70s and ‘80s as the “enfant terrible" of French fashion. His irreverent style left nothing sacred, dancing over the standard guard rails of high-fashion — he played with gender roles, adorning men in skirts decades before others opted to, and allowed plus sized women and older men to grace his runways. His talent was undeniable, though his utilization of such gifts made him a fiercely divisive designer. While often ripped by the French press, he gained the hearts of numerous subversive, forward-thinking icons, including Madonna and Marilyn Manson, both whom he conceptualized tour wardrobes for.

This jacket is one of Gaultier’s most legendary pieces of outerwear. His fall 1987 collection’s cropped biker jackets with narrow waists and wide shoulders graced the likes of Freddy Mercury and Dead or Alive frontman Pete Burns. This jacket stands out as the most detailed leather from the collection, with “Love” and “Hate” set into the collar with metal studs. The variety of other details include fringes, double zips on both the front and back of the hem, a metal “G” for Gaultier crest on the back, and a removable neck gaiter (shown fastened in the picture above) with a single skull set in the center of it. 

Condition: 9/10. No significant flaws. 

Tagged size: 46 (fits like L)

Shoulder: 23.5in

Pit to pit: 22.5in

Length: 22.5in

Sleeve: 24in