It was a friday afternoon, the weather permeated by cold and a light drizzle. I rushed out of school to make it in time for what would be one of the last showings for Jean Paul Gaultier's exhibit at Le Musee des Beaux Arts in Montreal. My eagerness, however, quickly turned to despair as I saw the massive line of people winding down the street. Allow me break down the unfolding concerns: 1. I was supposed to meet my mom, and I was absolutely certain she hadn't left work yet. 2. I still hadn't bought tickets. 3. the ticket booth was closing in 15 minutes. 4. given the circumstances, I was ready to jump in front of a moving car (dramatic, I know, but that's my style). So, just as I was about to strategically throw myself in the path of an oncoming vehicle (not really, but you know), I hear someone yell my name. My mom was standing at the front of the line, with a pair of tickets in her hands. You know that famous scene in movies, where is sounds like angels are singing and the world is a better place? Yeah, that's what happened. In my mind of course.
It's been a couple of days since I've been, although I haven't had a chance to post some of the pictures I took until now. I don't even know how I'll be able to transmit the emotion and wonder I felt into words, but let me begin with showing you what could have potentially been one of the most powerful experiences I've had in a while.
Really weird/interesting concept: the mannequins had molded faces, onto which an talking video of a real person was projected. Even Jean Paul Gaultier made an appearance and welcomed us to his show.
The iconic coned bra for Madonna's "Blond Ambition World Tour" in 1990:
Petit Jean:
My favourite:
Everyone knows about Jean Paul Gaultier, but then again, no one really does. His story begins with his grandmother, the woman who spurred in him the desire to be one of the most daring designers, exploring the possibilities brought by the likes of sex, religion, race, and culture. With his incomparable ability to create flourishing trends, and the perfect degree of flamboyance, he created his path for success. He's one of those people, who's history and life story can do nothing but awe and amaze. It can perhaps inspire you, or undermine the pride you attach to your own success, or do both. It kind of had that doubling effect on me. It makes you wonder how a single man, with a single vision, was able to take in all that inspired him in the world and, and spit it all out in the form of lavish couture. I am going to be cheesy for a moment, but this is my blog, and I'm allowed. Cheesy moment number 1: His clothes aren't just clothes. There's a monumental attention to detail in everything he does. Not one careless stitch, only opportunities to create something groundbreaking. Cheesy moment number 2 : He changed the world as we know it, forever and always. And I just want to give him an informal "merci."
