Jean-Paul Gaultier: The Sentimentality of a Punk Author: [France] Elizabeth Gosselin Publisher: Chongqing University Press

If one were to rank the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century, Jean-Paul Gaultier would probably be near the top of the list.

In terms of unrestrained rebellion, he was the predecessor of Alexander McQueen; he, like the "Queen Mother West", made an indelible contribution to the punk trend sweeping the world.

Subverting gender constraints, underwear as outerwear, men in skirts, no matter agree or disagree, no one can remain indifferent to Gaultier's designs. Ballet skirts with short leather jackets, over-the-knee boots with wide striped navy shirts, and Madonna's shocking cone bra - Gaultier, the "fashion urchin" who never stops rebelling, has been making "noise" and shocking the global fashion industry since the 1970s. He boldly brought street culture into high fashion, turning the show into a theater, and was the first to use models of different body shapes, races, and even amateurs to walk the runway. Chanel and Saint Laurent incorporated neutral styles into women's clothing, but it was Gaultier who further challenged the male image and made men wear skirts. His subversive style redefined the concept of beauty and made fashion more diverse.

Gaultier’s design style is avant-garde, but he always has a warm smile; his designs are all bold “political statements”. This book is the first written biography of Gaultier in his more than 30 years of “playing” in the fashion industry, giving readers the first opportunity to get to know this naughty boy and sentimental punk in depth. The book records the important encounters in Gaultier’s life. In addition to the secrets of cooperation with celebrities from all walks of life and the evaluations of relatives and friends, the grief and forbearance when he lost his family and lover are the rare dark side of Gaultier. Elizabeth Gosselin’s beautiful writing and description fully present the unique creative process of this fashion master, while also profiling the development of fashion and social changes after the 1980s. Reading it is like taking a fascinating fashion journey in person.

Elizabeth Gouslan is a cultural journalist. After obtaining her Master of Arts from the Sorbonne University, she joined the weekly L'Evenement du Jeudi founded by veteran journalist Jean-Francois Kahn until it closed down. She then worked for France-Soir, the literary edition of Le Figaro, and the cultural edition of Madame Figaro.