PARIS, Oct 3, 2006/ FW/ --- With a remix of ‘Getting Physical’ on the background, the second half of Jean Paul Gaultier’s 30th Anniversary and Spring 2007 catwalk presentation began with the curtain opening to a stage set of a gym with models exercising.

And with the audience still clapping and saying ‘Oh!’ and ‘Ah,’ Gemma Ward stomps on the runway in a red figure hugging dress with a handkerchief hemline that was laser cut to at the neckline to show off chevron racing stripes while the skirt portion of the dress hinted at boy shorts.

Work clothes had never been this chic! Jean Paul Gaultier, after 30 years in the business can still capture his audience’s imagination. With this show of very wearable, highly covetable and artistic clothes, the Parisian couturier reinvented himself once more, proving once again that he is the reigning king of French fashion.

Proposing work out clothes that can actually be used inside the gym and worn as streetwear, even eveningwear, watching the show was like watching a genius at work.

Reworking the varsity jacket, the ‘unofficial uniform of athletes and jocks,’ Gaultier presented its multiple variants. From the ‘normal’ varsity jacket cut at the shoulders on the back then turning it to conquistador shorts with a wide belt, Gaultier also created empire dresses with rounded hemlines. From blouson mini dresses with an elastic band at the hemline, to a shoulder bag with the varsity jacket as the template, Gaultier’s creativity does not have any bounds.

Perhaps for fun, or a statement with Madrid’s ‘skinny model’ controversy, or even to show that ‘we do need to exercise not for looks but for health reasons,’ Gaultier also sent a plus-size model on the runway to the delight of the audience.

Still, it was not just about the gym. Gaultier also proposed hoodies in navy stripes for the sailing loving crowd. The suit jacket was also proposed to be worn over a meshed tube top mini, turning the work out apparel to an evening ensemble.

The hose, that came either as a fishnet or transparent in a solid color were sometimes given racing stripes, or cropped at the ankle, reminiscent for the 1980s leggings. But the reference to the 1980s ended there.

This collection is a new invention and approach. And while the inspiration of ‘working out’ is obvious to even the most casual observer, the underlying message of ‘getting healthy’ is also there.

Putting aside that there is an obesity epidemic in the U.S., Jean Paul Gaultier is also a member of the baby boomer generation. And, like his peers, he is also conscious of growing older.

Again, like his peers who plan to live to be 100, Jean Paul Gaultier has remained youthful, active and gets better every year in what they do best.

With the new definition of ’50 is the new 30,’ this collection that also celebrates three decades of fashion with Jean Paul Gaultier also marks the 30th birthday of the designer literally and figuratively speaking.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEAN PAUL! And may there be many more years to come!

Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier