PARIS, Jan 27, 2005/ FW/ --- With Africa as the main topic at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jean Paul Gaultier could not have had better timing to feature the continent and its rich heritage.

With the creations named Zambeze, Monrovia, and Zanzibar, there is no doubt what his focus is. With tribal masks worked into the bodice of the gowns – the eyes strategically was placed on the breasts, the nose sculpted on the bodice and the lips placed on the hipline, Jean Paul Gaultier’s superb tailoring techniques shone through.

The bright colors of the African costumes were also incorporated, and with Gaultier’s masterful execution it became the French joie de vivre. There is chicness and elegance, a feeling of freedom and still very traditional.

And though it is almost a given that this is not a political statement by the designer and just a matter of coincidence, the timing could have not been better as the world focuses on helping Africa with its problems of starvation and sickness, specifically HIV, with over 120,000 people dying of the disease every month.

So, if this runway show could help save people by making the more affluent countries be aware of Africa, so be it…

And if it came from haute couture, the crème de la crème of fashion and from the reigning French fashion emperor, don’t you think it is truly a good thing? I do!

Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier