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.

Gaultier’s aptitude for appropriating ideals of bourgeoisie excess into something more modern and unconventional has perhaps been unfairly marginalized behind the risque fetishwear pieces he produced (though when considering the ilk of designers these explorations spawned, their precedence becomes more understandable). This piece hails from the Jean Paul Gaultier Fourrure line, an extremely limited production offshoot which focused on luxurious fur pieces. Items from the line were as expensive as anything Gaultier released. As was typical, the top shown above retailed for several thousand. It is a true gem of Gaultier’s work, repurposing the classic nordic knit into an ultra plush rabbit fur top, with rich, winter ready reds and blues. It additionally features functional zips at the collar and hem.

Condition: 9/10. No significant flaws.

Tagged size: S

Shoulder: 20in

Pit to pit: 24in

Length: 23.5in

Sleeve: 33in (measured from neck)