Jean Paul Gaultier ( born April 24, 1952 ) is a famous French fashion designer and was hired as creative director in 2003 by Hermès ( Hermès handbags ).

Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès Creative Director

Jean Paul Gaultier never received formal training as a designer. Instead, he started sending sketches to famous couture stylists at an early age. Pierre Cardin was impressed by his talent and hired him as an assistant in 1970.

Starting his career in 1970 at age 18 as an assistant to Pierre Cardin, Jean Paul Gaultier learned that in fashion, there is no limits and everything is possible, which became his way to create.

His first individual collection was released in 1976 and his characteristic irreverent style dates from 1981. Gaultier's following collections are based on street wear, focusing on popular culture. He popularised the use of skirts, especially kilts on men's wardrobe, and the release of designer collections. Jean Paul Gaultier caused shock by using unconventional models for his exhibitions, like old and fat women, pierced and heavy tattooed models, and by playing with traditional gender roles in the shows. This actions granted him both criticism and enormous popularity.

In the 1990s, he became world famous as the designer of costumes for Madonna's tours, including lace corsets and skintight black suits for her and kilts for her male backup dancers.

Although Gaultier's designs are sometimes considered over-the-edge, there is no question among the fashion historians or the retail fashion world that his multiple talents greatly influence the work of other designers.

Now Jean Paul Gaultier is navigating three lines: his own label's haute couture and ready-to-wear, plus Hermès. He enjoys the life.

"What is Nirvana?" asks the 56-year-old Frenchman. "It's Hermès ( Hermès handbags )! I like to twist their centuries-old codes a little and put in some Gaultier. For my first collection, I designed a leather corset with clasps reminiscent of the Hermès Kelly bag."

View the Hermès Forest Green Crocodile Mini Kelly Bag

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