Duran Lantink's Provocative Jean Paul Gaultier Debut at Paris Fashion Week Sparks Outrage and Debate
During Paris Fashion Week SS26, Dutch designer Duran Lantink unveiled his inaugural collection for Jean Paul Gaultier, having been appointed as creative director in April 2024. The presentation showcased provocative items, such as a faux-leather bodysuit reminiscent of Borat and a dress with scant fabric. Critics, including Mandy Lee, labeled it as 'not fashion,' while Vanessa Friedman likened it to 'an unsolicited crotch shot.' Online reactions highlighted concerns over the aesthetic and fit of the garments. Historically, Gaultier's boldness was viewed as groundbreaking, contrasting with Lantink's perceived gimmicks. Notably, Lantink has designed vagina trousers for Janelle Monáe and collaborated on a photobook addressing transgender sex workers, hinting at potential commentary on transgender rights amidst political challenges.
Key facts
- Duran Lantink debuted as creative director for Jean Paul Gaultier at Paris Fashion Week SS26 in 2024.
- The collection included controversial items like a Borat-style bodysuit and nude-printed onesies censored on Instagram.
- Fashion critics Mandy Lee and Vanessa Friedman condemned the collection for its vulgarity and lack of artistry.
- Netizens criticized the technical flaws, such as ill-fitting garments and cheap materials.
- Jean Paul Gaultier's historical provocations, like conical bras from 1984, were noted for innovation and craftsmanship.
- Lantink previously designed vagina trousers for Janelle Monáe in 2018 and featured silicone breasts in a runway show.
- Lantink collaborated with SistaazHood on a photobook about transgender sex workers in Cape Town.
- The response ties to debates on taste, gender fluidity, and trans rights amid political challenges in multiple countries.
Entities
Artists
- Duran Lantink
- Jean Paul Gaultier
- Madonna
- Janelle Monáe
- Alexander McQueen
- Mandy Lee
- Vanessa Friedman
- Anastasia Vartanian
- Donald Trump
- Rosalind Jana
Institutions
- Jean Paul Gaultier (JPG)
- Paris Fashion Week
- The New York Times
- Foundation for AIDS Research
- SistaazHood
- Elle
- YouTube
- Amazon
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Paris
- France
- Netherlands
- Cape Town
- South Africa
- United Kingdom