Often, when you attend a fashion exhibition, whilst the detail of the clothes can be impressive, they can look lifeless hanging on a still mannequin.

This is by no means the case for the magnificent collection of garments on display at the Barbican current exhibition, ‘The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier For the Sidewalk to the Catwalk’. The moment you enter the gallery space, you are confronted by music, video, speeches, movement, drawings and wonderful printed photographs hanging around the rooms. The mannequins themselves are brought to life by some clever projections, music and even soothing choir voices. Whilst, I admit, this can be a little spooky at first, it is mesmerising! Bringing the clothes to life and enhancing the experience

Taking you through the life of Gaultier, from his childhood, understanding where his fashion and eye for style developed, through to the current day. Stopping along the way to admire some key moments in Gaultier’s career and moments which changed the whole industry. This exhibition is not only an insight into the three decades of Gaultier and his career, but also an insight into the changing fashion, trends and boundaries of what constitutes as style over the last 30 years.
With such dramatically lit couture garments within arms reach, it is also great to see them in the context of their original catwalk show or fashion shoot. Screens around the mannequins show some of the worlds most famous supermodels strutting each piece down the catwalk on a loop. Huge framed photographs by some of the worlds most critically acclaimed photographers, including Steven Meisel and Herb Ritts, show the editorials which in these beautiful creations were first shown to the world.
We think this exhibition is a must see! Whether you are London based or planning a trip to the city over the summer, head to the Barbican Art Gallery before August 25th to catch it. For those who love fashion, those who love textiles, for those who love photography or even just those who love celebrity culture. This exhibition has it all.
Plus, who is really going to miss an opportunity to see Madonna’s infamous cone bar in person!

www.NAVYLondon.com
xoxo