Jean Paul Gaultier and KNWLS Collaboration: A Fusion of Edgy Style
The latest Jean Paul Gaultier collaboration has officially launched, this time partnering with the bold London brand KNWLS. This capsule collection seamlessly merges KNWLS’ disruptive femininity and fierceness with Jean Paul Gaultier’s iconic punk rebellion, grit, and glamour.
Taking inspiration from the rich archives of both brands, this collection strikes a perfect balance between the past and present, expertly blending their unique styles without overshadowing one another.
Prints take the spotlight in this collaboration, featuring a hand-stenciled trompe-l’œil tattoo print inspired by heavy-metal aesthetics, complete with a wide-mouthed serpent poised provocatively. Another standout element is the scratched wood pattern, born from a decaying street-found fence in London, hand-etched with naive heart-shaped JPG KNWLS carvings by Senior Print Designer Harriet Cox.
Gaultier’s signature corsetry craftsmanship shines through in a tailored suit jacket and flared trousers co-ord. The iconic marinière receives a KNWLS bleach plaid transformation, resulting in a range of body-contoured mini-dresses and sheer, skin-revealing knitted separates featuring off-shoulder sailor collars and wraparound silhouettes.
Signature aged leather from KNWLS makes a statement in a distressed high-neck shearling jacket with oversized shaggy sleeves, a leather bomber jacket, and a corset harness with rib inserts.
Denim, a shared hallmark, gets a Gaultier twist with pieces like a corseted dress featuring conical cups. A lace-up top and shorts set in distressed lilac and ice-mint washed twill stretch cotton round out the denim offerings.
The showstopper of the collection is a screen-printed leather corset costume with hand-crocheted paneling, a masterpiece that took nearly a year to create. This remarkable piece seamlessly combines elements from both brands’ signature aesthetics.
This high-profile collaboration is complemented by a captivating campaign shot by photographer Harley Weir, a devoted Jean Paul Gaultier fan. Styled by Georgia Pendlebury, the campaign showcases rising model Alex Consani and draws inspiration from the late ’80s and early ’90s Jean Paul Gaultier campaigns. Featuring hand-cut logos and overexposed techniques, these visuals capture the essence of both brands’ DNA.
Florence Tétier, Jean Paul Gaultier’s creative director, expressed her excitement for this collaboration, stating, «I’ve always been a fan of KNWLS’ work and have collaborated with them in the past. Their world is truly connected to the legacy of Jean Paul Gaultier, making this collection a perfect embodiment of our shared vision of the female form.»