PARIS, Feb 28, 2006/ FW/ --- Some people call fashion week a zoo, and for Jean Paul Gaultier, he made it literal with dogs, cats, an owl and rag dolls as partners for the models parade on the runway.

Perhaps, Gaultier is a closet animal lover at heart; maybe, he anonymously owns a show dog, because all the canines shown were definitely good enough to enter the Westminster Dog Show. No matter what it is, he just made ‘Best of Show’ for this beautifully intriguing and fascinating collection.

It was signature Jean Paul Gaultier with bustiers in lace and corsets in leather, emphasizing the waist and making the silhouettes slim. There’s the ethereal fabrics with ruffles, that were layered perfectly to look ephemeral.

The familiar trench coat has been pleated or bias cut, giving it volume. And as an overture to his newly launched Gaultier², he again sent fraternal twin models, wearing the same trench coat, the female looking as feminine as ever, the male not losing his masculinity.

The main message was volume and layering, like what most people naturally do during fall and winter. And Gaultier proposed it best for both flowing lines and architecturally structured ensembles.

A traveling coat shaped like a tent dress, tailored double-breasted coats and jackets embellished with buttons, a leather cape jacket with raglan sleeves and a shearling coat with a fur skirt are all in accord.

Everything gelled, from the egg-shaped empire mini dress rolled at the hem, to the doll like finale of a white romantic layered gown trimmed with fur.

And though the finale background music, part of a soundtrack from the horror movie ‘Nightmare On Elm Street’ was disconcerting, one gets the feeling that it was placed there to make a point. Not to shock nor get noticed, but to be remembered.

The one who mixed the music did not have to worry because Jean Paul Gaultier was in his best element with this collection. This will go down in history as one of his most unforgettable shows.

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Jean-Paul Gaultier