Jean Paul Gaultier’s Haute Couture Praise by Simone Rocha

On January 24, Jean Paul Gaultier presented its Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 collection at Paris Haute Couture Week.

This season, the Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 collection was created by the talented Irish-born designer SIMONE ROCHA. Jean-Paul Gaultier retired as a fashion designer after presenting his haute couture collection in January 2020 and has been continuing haute couture in the form of inviting guest designers since 2021.

Simone Rocha has been based in London since 2010, establishing her eponymous brand, SIMONE ROCHA. Since her debut, Rocha’s works, which blend the right amount of darkness and romance, have captured the hearts of coquettes racing.

However, in this collaboration with Gaultier, Rocha is making her mark on the world of haute couture by combining the design codes of the iconic French Maison with her unique style for the first time. Rocha’s aim with this collection was to craft items that exuded femininity, while simultaneously evoking a sense of provocation, playfulness, and sensuality. Additionally, she sought to delve into elements that are deeply rooted in Gaultier’s historical aesthetic, or at the very least, the past two decades, and contemplate how they would resonate in the present day.

To sum it up in a nutshell, the collection was full of highlights with Rocha’s witty details.

The show opened with a crinoline dress of sheer metallic organza that looked like a dazzling hallucination. As a tribute to Gaultier, the third eye from the “Tattoo Collection” was hand painted on the chest, along with other mysterious motifs such as snakes and a hand palm.

The naval feminine look with sailor’s caps was paired with tops that were scattered with shimmering metallic petals and ribbons arranged in a border pattern that extended down to the sleeves. The shorts, padded and voluminous in the pelvic area, seemed to emphasize the inherent strength of the woman.

The green and black taffeta coats, with their clever use of Gaultier’s corn bra, were as flouncy as petals, and the slim bustle dresses with lace wings were stunning to behold. Meanwhile, Rocha’s love of pearls was perfectly elevated in a mystical corset dress adorned with baroque pearls.

Garter belts, ribbons, and Anthriscus sylvestris flowers were cleverly incorporated as motifs in many of the looks, and the soft dresses created by layers of tulle beautifully embodied the overwhelming presence and beauty of the garments.

Gaultier’s identity blended seamlessly with the pale, dainty femininity expressed by Rocha, and this exquisite balance brought the talents and creativity of both designers together in perfect harmony. No wonder so many people expressed their sincere admiration for the natural fusion of these two talented designers.

View all looks from the Jean Paul Gaultier by Simone Rocha Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 collection in the gallery below.