Is fashion a religion? As far as Jean Paul Gaultier is concerned the connection is evident, both systems grounded through the belief in and worship of a higher power. Are couturiers considered the deities of luxury fashion? For the provocative French designer’s spring/summer 2007 haute couture collection, he conjured this thesis as a source of creative inspiration. Exercising his genius through the juxtaposition of Catholicism and couture. Gaultier’s religious references manifested themselves by means of stained glass detailing, prominent lace accents, gilded gold dresses, catholic iconography and a labyrinth of vivid hues akin to renaissance-era religious paintings. With each model’s head bearing an ornate halo, the collection’s emphasis on ornamental headdresses communicated their role to be more essential than that of a traditional mannequin and rather one of a goddess. While the relationship between religion and fashion can be a delicate subject to address, Gaultier tackled the near impossible task of achieving a flawless balance between reverence and ingenuity.
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