Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

'The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk'

Imagine a skin-tight houndstooth bodysuit, complete with built-in shoes, gloves, and a mask with protruding ear and ponytail covers. Such is the wild world of the French couturier Jean Paul Gaultier, arguably one of the most important fashion designers in recent decades. The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts marks the 35th anniversary of his label with a sprawling exhibit of his outrageous clothes presented on animated mannequins, through October 2. Nathalie Bondil, the museum's director and chief curator, says she chose to celebrate Gaultier "because of his great humanity... Beneath [his] wit and irreverence lie a true generosity of spirit and a very powerful message for society." Pictured: "Les Actrices [Movie Stars] collection, Barbarella body corset. Haute couture fall/winter 2009-2012."