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My lunch with Jean Paul Gaultier

jean paul gaultier and dave lackie

I’ve had the incredible opportunity to interview dozens of fashion designers, makeup artists and celebrities over the years. When I was a style writer for the National Post newspaper, I would often be invited to spend time with designers who were launching new collections or promoting projects. Interviewing Donna Karan was a thrill as we connected with our shared interest in reiki and holistic approach to wellness. Hair guru Frederic Fekkai was fascinating to speak with as he explained how he created a new hair salon experience. (He’s very close friends with Martha Stewart) And Ralph Lauren was surprisingly humble and thoughtful with his answers.

jean paul gaultier lunch

But I have to say that an invite to have lunch with Jean Paul Gaultier was a career highlight for me. From his groundbreaking runway shows that blurred the line between masculine and feminine to his work with Madonna and the infamous cone bra and corsets, Jean Paul has consistently innovated and brought joy to fashion and fragrance. Puig, who manufactures and distributes the Gaultier fragrances, kindly invited Cookie and I to an intimate lunch of only ten guests. What an honour. Here’s a recap of our special luncheon.

jean paul gaultier haute couture fall 2017

jean paul gaultier haute couture fall 2017

The morning of our Gaultier lunch, I pinched a nerve in my back. So I decided to take a muscle relaxant before I left for the La Societe, a French bistro located on Toronto’s tony Bloor Street strip. I arrived early and noticed that the muscle relaxant hadn’t really kicked in. “Maybe I should take a second one just to be sure,” I thought to myself. (bad idea) The minute I took the second pill, the first one kicked in and I was suddenly flying on painkillers. My friend Cookie took one look at me and decided I need caffeine to keep me awake. There was suddenly a real possibility that I was going to fall asleep in my salad mid-conversation with one of the world’s top designers. A diet Coke later and I was slightly more alert.

We were greeted with champagne and sparkling water in a private area of the restaurant. The table was topped with a handful of white flower arrangements and seating cards. When Jean Paul arrived, there was no big fanfare or security. He arrived with his assistant and PR director. Dressed in an inky blue casual shirt, dark denim and navy blazer, he immediately greeted every guest and shook their hand. The first thing you notice about Gaultier is he loves to laugh. He is remarkably friendly and engaging. He does not have any attitude.

jean paul gaultier place setting

When he took his place at the table, he glanced down at the seating card and laughed. “Ten years ago, this card would have said Jean Paul. But now that I am older, I am Mr Gaultier. People now call me Mr. Gaultier. I much prefer Jean Paul.” He glanced at the menu and chose Tuna Tartare with avocado, cucumber, soy, spicy aioli and crisp nori to start. For his main, he selected the Chicken Paillard with watercress, arugula, radish, pickled onion, cherry tomatoes and mustard vinaigrette. And for dessert, apple tarte tatin with cider sorbet. “I love sweets. I once discovered sangria in Spain which is sweet and delicious. It is made with red wine and fresh fruits. I kept drinking it one lunch and then an hour later was asleep in my chair. I couldn’t work the rest of the day.”

jean paul gaultier haute couture fall 2017

jean paul gaultier haute couture fall 2017

The designer made news a couple years ago when he decided to stop designing his ready-to-wear collections and focus exclusively on haute couture. “I love to design clothes. It is my passion. But I felt that the world is producing more and more clothes. There is just too much of it. So I decided to create special pieces that have great craftsmanship and creativity. I can take my time and experiment with new fabrics and techniques. And it allows me to do new projects and collaborations. Just wait until you hear what I have coming up. It is very exciting.”

 

jean paul gaultier and dave lackieSo does he consider himself a perfumer having launched some iconic scents throughout his career? “Uh, no! I am not a nose. When I worked on the first two fragrances, I knew exactly what I wanted. I was very specific. But now I smell what the perfumers bring to me and say ‘oh, that is interesting’. When I created my first fragrance, I used to spray it every morning before I went to work. But soon I was having to spray two or three or four times as I couldn’t smell it on me. My nose has become accustomed to it. My staff had to say to me, ‘Jean Paul, your fragrance is way too strong’. They could smell me a block away,” he laughs. He says that every product he designs has to have a bit of sex to it. “I want someone to smell my scent on their wife or partner and smell so delicious they want to eat them.”

jean paul gaultier and madonnaOf course, a conversation with Gaultier always includes questions about Madonna. He designed the costumes for the Blonde Ambition tour including the corset suit and cone bra.

madonna“Madonna knows exactly what she wants. Before she approaches you, she does her homework and knows exactly what you are known for and the items she wants. When we first collaborated, she was open to different ideas. But she’s become very specific and only wants what she has in her head. You know, Guy Ritchie was the only one who stood up to her and told her the truth.” He says that Madonna would go through a Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar and point out the exact fashion, makeup and hairstyles she wanted. Everything is planned out to the tiniest detail.

 

grace jonesGrace Jones is another celebrity that Gaultier shares a close friendship with. “I was hoping to see her at the Toronto International Film Festival where her documentary is premiering, but there is a Dita Von Teese event at the same time,” he says. “Grace is a very smart woman. If you read her memoirs, you’ll see that she is a true artist. I remember seeing her first two shows at the Palace in Paris. She was known as a model then and people kept saying that there was no way she could sing. It was incredible. The entire performance was incredible.”

So what is coming up for Jean Paul? There is a rumoured new scent for 2018. But before that here is a sneak peek at holiday 2017. Gaultier Snow Globe Editions of Classique and Le Male. Expect these early November.

 

jean paul gaultier classique snow globeJean Paul Gaultier Classique Snow Globe Collector

Classique for her has notes of rose, rum essence, vanilla orchid, daffodils, sweet amber, sandalwood, tonka bean and velvety Bourban vanilla.

jean paul gaultier le male collectorJean Paul Gaultier Le Male Snow Globe Collector

Le Male for him has notes of fresh mint, lavender, vanilla, bergamot, cinnamon, cumin, orange blossom, tonka bean, sandalwood & cedarwood.

jean paul gaultier haute couture 2017 show

With lunch finished, Gaultier decides to visit Toronto’s Kensington Market to visit the vintage stores. “I always travel with an extra empty suitcase,” says his assistant. “He’s always looking for inspiration. It could be a fabric print, detailing or a silhouette.” With a big wave and smile he leaves the restaurant with the promise to return to Canada again soon.

 

jean paul gaultier, dave lackie and cookie giganJean Paul Gaultier fragrances are available in Canada at Hudson’s Bay stores and thebay.com

22 Comments

  • Reply
    Lucy Zelazowski
    September 21, 2017 at 6:08 pm

    Hi Dave.
    That’s great dinner party, you have rubbed shoulders with some of the best.
    He will always be Jean Paul to me. I used have the snow globe, mine was black with a lady and gold snow flakes. Smelt amazing. ????

  • Reply
    AdeleAWright
    September 20, 2017 at 5:05 pm

    Superb read! Oh how fortunate to be in his presence!! I am happy for you!!

  • Reply
    Madeline Dellamora
    September 20, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    This video was so sweet, isn’t he lovely!! Great energy, and such a nice reminder to find inspiration wherever we go. Must try out his new fragrances xoxo

  • Reply
    Deb Hanes
    September 20, 2017 at 2:19 am

    Loved your write up! Your ability to tell a story is unsurpassable. I came away feeling like I was there, without the scrumptious lunch or seeing Jean Paul Gaultier with my own eyes, of course! So many “chuckle” moments. I personally remind people “Mrs Hanes is my mother-in-law, I’m Deb!” Muscle relaxers, snow globes, and Gaultier. WOW!!
    @debih617

  • Reply
    denise
    September 14, 2017 at 10:26 pm

    great story…love the snow globes!

    @momof3boysj

  • Reply
    BELINDA LAWLOR
    September 14, 2017 at 5:50 pm

    So honest and sweet story about your lunch, you are such a Joy, Dave

  • Reply
    Melanie Archer
    September 13, 2017 at 10:45 pm

    Oh Dave your incident with the muscle relaxants – hilarious!! Was thinking I was reading a movie description!! Glad you made it through and thank goodness for Cookie!! Loved the article!!

  • Reply
    Melanie E
    September 13, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    Interesting article! You had a great time with Jean Paul @MaraMel

  • Reply
    Zoetnil
    September 13, 2017 at 5:35 pm

    What a wonderful experience! Thank you for sharing this with us. He is very creative indeed.

  • Reply
    Zoetnil
    September 13, 2017 at 5:33 pm

    What a wonderful experience. Thank you for sharing this with us.

  • Reply
    Pam Moore
    September 13, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    Loved this article. Thank you for sharing! The Holiday Snow Globes are beautiful. I always enjoying your stories and can’t wait to see your live event this evening! ????

  • Reply
    Wendy
    September 13, 2017 at 11:31 am

    Le Male Snow Globe Collector.Wow, that’s beautiful

  • Reply
    Cookie Gigan
    September 13, 2017 at 10:07 am

    A lunch that I will never ever forget. Jean Paul Gaultier was so charming and he tells the best stories. I am so lucky to have been invited. Thank you! ❤️ PS. Next time no muscle relaxants!!!!

    • Reply
      Susan Sladkus
      September 13, 2017 at 10:20 am

      WOW! What an exciting moment in your life, Cookie. I would have sat there staring at Jean Paul, taking in every word he said.
      I’m so happy you were invited. I’m sure many people like me are very jealous. @SSladkus

  • Reply
    September Dee
    September 13, 2017 at 9:55 am

    So happy you had a chance to meet him! I think he would be great fun and down to earth at a dinner party! The Christmas snow globe is something else!! I’ll be looking for that!

  • Reply
    Perfumes en vogue YouTube
    September 13, 2017 at 9:39 am

    Great interview and article! 🙂 JP Gaultier is an iconic and extremely creative fashion designer. All fragrances released by his brand are exquisite! Thanks a lot for sharing the news on the future releases and for the beautiful photos! 🙂

  • Reply
    Elizabeth Raynard
    September 13, 2017 at 9:25 am

    I love the style of writing you use in these articles! Always an interesting read, thank you for sharing <3

  • Reply
    Linda L
    September 13, 2017 at 8:13 am

    So impressed with JPG! A personable genius with a sense of humour. How wonderful!! Thank you Dave for sharing this memorable luncheon with all of us. ❤

  • Reply
    Julie Ochs
    September 13, 2017 at 8:12 am

    So glad everything worked out despite the pain and meds!

  • Reply
    Ellie Lane
    September 13, 2017 at 7:45 am

    I’m so envious! I must have those snow globe special editions…. even if I have to sell the house and live in a tent to get them!

  • Reply
    Linda Ross
    September 13, 2017 at 7:37 am

    In Montreal have attended two of his exhibits at their Gallery’s wish Toronto would bring them here. Love his work and your article.

  • Reply
    Beth Lutz
    September 13, 2017 at 7:25 am

    Very cool… So interesting…lucky you!

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