Fashion’s bad boy Jean Paul Gaultier bids farewell to the catwalk

French fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier stands next to his figure made by French sculptor Eric Saint Chaffray at the Grevin wax museum during the presentation of his waxwork in Paris. (Reuters)
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Updated 17 January 2020
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Fashion’s bad boy Jean Paul Gaultier bids farewell to the catwalk

  • The affable Frenchman brought an often elusive sense of fun to the world of fashion
  • His reputation as a provocateur brought him both fame and contempt from other fashion designers

PARIS: French designer Jean Paul Gaultier, known for dressing stars like Madonna and who cultivated an irreverent image as the industry’s “bad boy,” said on Friday that a fashion show in Paris next week would be his last.
Gaultier, 67, did not detail what would happen to his namesake brand, owned by private Spanish fashion and fragrance group Puig, only saying in a brief statement that it would continue to exist.
“I will be celebrating my 50th anniversary in fashion with a major Haute Couture fashion show,” Gaultier said in short statement.
“Be reassured that Gaultier Paris will go on, with a new project which I am the instigator, and that will be revealed to you very soon,” he said.
His fashion firm could not be reached for further comment on whether Gaultier would be appointing a successor as creative chief, or what his plans were.
The affable Frenchman, who will be celebrating his 50-year-career in the industry with his swansong runway show next week, brought an often elusive sense of fun to the world of fashion.
Some of his tongue-in-cheek collections in recent years included one themed around cigarettes, which he presented as a dig at overly moralistic attitudes.
Gaultier, who has also designed costumes for films and co-presented cult television show Eurotrash, has long been known for pushing boundaries in fashion, blurring the lines between men’s and women’s clothing.
One of the few household names in high fashion, Gaultier emerged as one of the leading young talents in French fashion during the early 1980s, shaking up the establishment with wild designs drawn from street culture, punk and the club scene.
His reputation as a provocateur brought him both fame and contempt from other fashion designers. He is best known for the sailor-style, white and blue striped tops that Gaultier often wears himself.
In recent years he had dropped more regular collections, focusing on producing one-of-a-kind ranges presented during Haute Couture fashion weeks in Paris.
His brand still produces perfumes.
Gaultier made his first steps in the industry as an apprentice of French designer Pierre Cardin in the 1970s, going on to present his first individual collection in 1976.
He later also worked as a designer for Hermes, which used to own a large stake in his label before selling it to Puig in 2011.


Georgina Rodriguez closes out the year with family time, public appearances

Updated 30 December 2025
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Georgina Rodriguez closes out the year with family time, public appearances

  • Partner of Ronaldo shares photos of Christmas, holidays
  • Speculation they will celebrate New Year’s Day in the UAE

DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez has been marking the end of the year with family in the region, sharing moments from public appearances alongside her longtime partner, Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as quieter holiday time together.

One of those appearances included her attendance at the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards 2025, where she showed her support for Ronaldo alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.

The footballer was awarded Best Middle East Player 2025, marking his third consecutive win in the category.

For the ceremony, Rodriguez opted for a sleek, body-skimming black evening gown featuring a high neckline and long fitted sleeves, detailed with subtle, evenly spaced embellishments.

She wore her hair long and straight, pairing the look with soft, glowing makeup. The ensemble was completed with statement diamond jewelry, including stud earrings, a sparkling watch and her large oval-cut engagement ring.

Now in its 16th edition, the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony was held at Atlantis The Royal. Ronaldo received the award from Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.

After accepting the trophy, Ronaldo said he was focused on continuing his career and adding to his achievements.

“I want to carry on going. You know what my goal is. I want to win more trophies and I want to reach the number that you all know,” he said. “I will reach that number for sure, if there are no injuries, inshaAllah.”

Currently on 956 career goals following a recent brace against Al-Akhdoud, Ronaldo is now 44 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal milestone.

Ahead of the event in the UAE, fan spotted Rodriguez with Ronaldo in a casual moment walking at Atlantis. She wore jeans paired with a black top, leather jacket, beige hat and black heels.

The model also shared a short video offering a glimpse into how she celebrated Christmas, showing an intimate, family-focused gathering at home.

The family — including Ronaldo, Rodriguez, Ronaldo Jr., Eva Maria, Mateo, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda — wore matching pajamas and were seen dancing together toward the Christmas tree in the clip.

Fans are still waiting to see where the family will celebrate New Year’s Eve, after spending the occasion in Dubai last year. This has led to speculation that they may remain in the city for the celebrations.