#INFLEUNCERDRIVE JEAN PAUL GAULTIER!

 I attended Jean Paul's new show in London at the weekend.




What is the connection to cities, tech, culture and other things we talk about here?

Well:

1: LAW! I was hosted by one of London's top Barristers. Freya. She's an inspiration. Makes law accessible: ; is highly creative, kind, compassionate, talented and beautiful. Seriously. Walk into any room, in the world, with Freya? Every man goes to war for her attention. Each woman looks on in admiration. An aura of magic. And just the greatest privilege to meet her and talk craft, tech, law, creativity and anything else.

 



2: LAW  #2: 

Gaultier has a unique style. You cannot copy that. Or rather, one could do so, but face potential derision as derivative? And yet, the man himself notes his own influences, through the show. Yes, Jean Paul's is an inimitable 'look'. 

But even that has its origins in cinema and other artforms preceding his work. Madonna's cone bra is iconic and defines an age. And yet, if you look closely, the Fritz Lang influence is 'there'. A kind of living art deco. 

You cannot copyright an idea per se; so much as the original FORM of said. Trademarks are frequently confused in that conversation. Even there, rules exist to prevent monopoly on specific words/looks etc. IP (intellectual property) rights exist to ensure that your specific take / format / application can be harnessed and generate just profit /recognition. 

I could, in theory, propose a new teddy bear/cone chic? But the moment I steal specific iterations from Gautier or risk passing off / unfair competition / confusion? THEN it's time to lawyer up. I might be over-simplifying there. But in a nutshell? Yes. Oui! 



3: POLITICS! 

Unavoidable, even in fun. The play is mostly focused on the camp, musical, fashion theatricals. But about half way through? 

There is a brutal wake-up call. AIDS. It is moving, scary and a timely reminder that science and culture have indeed progressed, today. Love is love. Loss is loss. 'Don't die of ignorance', came the cry back in the apocalyptic adverts of '86. The wider meaning, now? Is do not be ignorant of sexuality. 

It is a spectrum. In today's world, homophobia is unwelcome, or ought be. A heterosexual can learn from a homosexual counterpart and vice versa. 

Bisexuality, trans identities: All can be embraced and explored and co-exist for mutual discovery, without precipitous classification as a limitation. It need not be an ideological or polarising identity issue anymore. Creativity. Beauty. Vulnerability. Purposeful, mindful, joy. Together. That is the ideal, within reach. 



4: LONDON! PARIS! CITIES! 

Yes, cities are now 'smart'. But their core identity and charm are by definition, timeless. Paris is still all about the art, glamour, creativity, romance and sex appeal, whatever its more specifically current challenges. 

London will always have an aura of political power, theatre, history, ambition, conflict and resolution in one. This Gaultier show pays tribute to Parisian prestige, whilst showcasing in a London domain. Perfect fusion! 



5: TECH! 

Fashion IS technology. It encompasses design, creation, building, innovation, precision, taking order from chaos. Find the original spin on an old idea; equally, locate that unique inspiration and combine it with the clothing /image/trend to match. 

In that sense, Gaultier is a technologist through his design, especially given the anatomical and sci-fi/cyberpunk flavour to his brand. Long may that continue!

I recommend the Gaultier show. Look out for some great movie references and some sexy chic cameos from French actresses. Beautiful fun. 

For my part? In both fashion and function? Allow me to direct you to the following platform places: 


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