Jean-Paul Gaultier (born 1952) started his career with no formal training as a fashion assistant at Pierre Cardin in 1970. He began designing under his own label in 1976 and founded Jean-Paul Gaultier in 1978. A number of different lines have been developed including Junior Gaultier in 1987, and Gaultier Jean's in 1992. The couture house was not opened until 1997. In 1999, Hermes took a stake in the company enabling the development of the Gaultier retail network.
Gaultier is famous for bringing fashion to the masses and street style to the catwalk. Its reputation rests on its questioning of accepted practice for example by creating skirts for men and recreating underwear as outerwear for women. Synthetic fibres, such as neoprene, not usually associated with fashion also contribute to the look.
