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.

Never one to shy away from controversy, Gaultier oft courted with open arms subcultures which huddled in the scorned fringes of society. Though to a present-day audience the severe visuals and content of heavy metal bands seems more theatrical than menacing, it can’t be discounted how much cultural animosity was aimed towards them in the 90s, culminating in the onus leveled upon Marilyn Manson after the Columbine shootings. Here Gaultier reinvents his namesake in a severe font atop a devil-like figure. This imagery was also placed on shirts and bags, though we are pleased to present what we believe to be the jacket’s first appearance on the internet.

Condition: 9/10. No significant flaws.

Tagged size: 48

Shoulder: 17in

Pit to pit: 20in

Length: 24in

Sleeve: 26in