ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Jean Paul Gaultier's Fashion Freak Show arrives in Milan

other · 2026-04-26

The Fashion Freak Show, a theatrical creation by Jean Paul Gaultier, is currently being showcased at the TAM Teatro Arcimboldi in Milan until March 24, 2024. This production first premiered in 2019 at the Folies Bergère in Paris and has since embarked on a global tour. It narrates Gaultier's journey, highlighting his childhood inspirations from Pierre Cardin and the film Falbalas, his inaugural runway presentation in 1976, and the heartbreak of losing his first love to AIDS. Gaultier takes on multiple roles as creator, author, director, and costume designer. Iconic fashion items featured include Madonna's cone bras, corsets, tulle dresses, and the blue-and-white marinière. The show also honors figures like Pedro Almodóvar and Kylie Minogue, with a giant videowall showcasing contributions from friends such as Rossy de Palma and Catherine Deneuve. The soundtrack features live performances of hits like Vogue and Sweet Dreams. This production is brought to Italy by All Entertainment srl and MAS Music, Arts & Show, in collaboration with TS3, RGM Productions, and Avex Entertainment.

Key facts

  • Fashion Freak Show runs at TAM Teatro Arcimboldi in Milan until March 24, 2024.
  • Show debuted in 2019 at Folies Bergère in Paris.
  • Jean Paul Gaultier is creator, author, director, and costume designer.
  • Features iconic pieces: marinière, corsets, tulle dresses, cone bras.
  • Cone bras were worn by Madonna during Blonde Ambition World Tour.
  • Show pays homage to Almodóvar, Besson, Madonna, Minogue, Farmer, Chopinot, Preljocaj.
  • Videowall includes Rossy de Palma and Catherine Deneuve.
  • Soundtrack includes Le Freak, I Want Your Sex, Express Yourself, Supermodel, Vogue, Sweet Dreams.

Entities

Artists

  • Jean Paul Gaultier
  • Pierre Cardin
  • Madonna
  • Pedro Almodóvar
  • Luc Besson
  • Kylie Minogue
  • Mylène Farmer
  • Régine Chopinot
  • Angelin Preljocaj
  • Rossy de Palma
  • Catherine Deneuve
  • Giulio Solfrizzi

Institutions

  • TAM Teatro Arcimboldi
  • Folies Bergère
  • TS3 (A Fimalac Entertainment Company)
  • RGM Productions
  • Avex Entertainment
  • All Entertainment srl
  • MAS Music, Arts & Show
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Paris
  • France

Sources