It’s the feel good event in Paris this fall: Jean Paul Gaultier Fashion Freak Show.
The autobiographical extravaganza is a labor of love by the bad boy of fashion, Jean Paul Gaultier. He took over four years to develop the show and is the creator, director, set designer and bien sur, costume designer.
The opening video takes place in an operating room, where a teddy bear has a serious surgery: A seven-year old Gaultier deconstructs his beloved toy and sews a bra with cone cups on to it. A fashion designer is born!
A few moments later, a clever scene, circa 1962, shows Gaultier swept away by a television broadcast of the Follies Bergere, as he dreams to one day be part of the show. He finally comes full circle to realize his dream.
The rest of show, mostly through recorded music and some live vocals, video, and energetic choreography by extremely talented dancers, illustrates Gaultier’s career and personal life including his rise to fashion fame with its ups and downs, good and bad press, the love of his life, dealing with AIDS, plastic surgery, and working with celebrities such as Madonna and Catherine Deneuve (who is in one of the video’s).
Moi, doing a star turn in the lobby
Of course, the genius of Gaultier’s clothes and accessories, comes through in every scene, again reminding us what a prolific and unique talent he is and the lasting impact he has made on fashion for five decades.
Nile Rodgers, the brilliant musical director, worked with Gaultier to choose the infectious, mostly golden oldies dance music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s including artists and groups such as Madonna, Grace Jones, Chic, Sylvester, Daft Punk, Kylie Minogue, and Mylene Farmer. I softly hummed along with the music in my seat, while tapping my feet, remembering the tunes from my disco glory days.
Gaultier’s message about embracing our physical differences and finding beauty outside the norms of society, and celebrating freaks, weirdo’s, and agitators, clearly comes through.
I left the theater uplifted, joyous, and inspired. Kudos to Jean Paul Gaultier for a terrific, fun filled evening.
The show is in French and English, but the French parts are easy to follow.
Jean Paul Gaultier Fashion Freak Show
Until December 30, 2018
Follies Bergere 32 rue Richer, 75009
Metro: Cadet
Tuesday to Saturday: 8PM
Saturday and Sunday 3PM
http://jpgfashionfreakshow.com/?lang=en
Great merch, LOVE the Gaultier doll
One last star turn at Cadet metro- couldn't give up this opportunity
My Paris Apartment for Rent –November 18-December 5
I am looking to rent my fabulous Paris apartment in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul metro, anytime between November 18 to December 5 for 7-10 nights. It's a spacious one-bedroom 750 sq. ft. loft style apartment with 12 ft. ceilings, decorated in chic Mid-Century Modern furniture and sleeps two people in a Queen size bed. Amenities include washer/dryer, 16" flat screen TV, dishwasher, internet connection/Wifi and free long distance calls to the U.S. The apartment is located on the second floor with a large elevator.
The price 7 nights is 165€ per night/1155€, for 10 nights 150€ per night/1500€ Photos upon request.
Please email me at [email protected] if you are interested.
I am so pleased to have Ann Mah as my guest this week at on A Bite of Paris. We went to Le Mistral, her favorite Paris bistro and had their signature dish, aligot, a rich, creamy mix of whipped potatoes and cheese from the Aveyron region.
Click here or link below to watch Ann and I enjoy aligote.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiRHIW7Oitw&t=4s
Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more. In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.
Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you, my insiders, Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
