In the world of fashion, few names carry as much weight and cultural significance as Jean Paul Gaultier. His influence spans beyond the realm of haute couture, touching on pop culture, music, and art. From Madonna’s iconic cone bra to his provocative perfume commercials featuring sailors and corseted beauties, Gaultier has left an indelible mark on contemporary culture over the past four decades. Now, a new chapter in this legacy is being written by Parisian designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin, who has taken up residence at Gaultier’s atelier as its guest couturier. This collaboration promises to blend Gaultier’s storied past with de Saint Sernin’s modern vision, creating a collection that is both nostalgic and forward-looking.
A Dreamlike Voyage Through Time and Style
In the heart of Paris, within the grand walls of a 19th-century building that once housed political parties, nightclubs, and ribbon factories, Ludovic de Saint Sernin found inspiration from his childhood memories. Growing up, he was captivated by Gaultier’s perfume advertisements, which featured striking visuals of sailors and women in bustier corsets. These images, combined with Gaultier’s bold, openly queer persona, deeply influenced de Saint Sernin’s creative sensibilities. Fast forward to today, and de Saint Sernin is now crafting a collection that pays homage to Gaultier’s legacy while introducing his own unique narrative.
The collection, titled "Le Naufrage" (meaning "the shipwreck"), imagines a lavish sea voyage gone awry. A storm and a bacchanalian frenzy send a diverse cast of characters—mermaids, pirates, a dominatrix goddess, and a Celtic princess—overboard. Drawing inspiration from Gaultier’s spring/summer 1998 collection and the music of Mylène Farmer, de Saint Sernin weaves together a dreamlike tale of luxury, desire, and friendship. The result is a visually stunning collection that feels like a surreal journey through time and style, blending Gaultier’s iconic elements with de Saint Sernin’s avant-garde approach.
From bias-cut slip dresses adorned with ship motifs to beaded scarlet headpieces, each piece tells a story. De Saint Sernin’s interpretation of Gaultier’s archive is not just a nod to the past but a reimagining of it, creating something entirely new yet unmistakably rooted in the house’s heritage. The collection reflects the designer’s desire to create something beautiful and dreamlike, where different worlds collide in harmony.
As the eighth designer to helm a haute couture collection for the house since Gaultier stepped back from design responsibilities in 2020, de Saint Sernin is acutely aware of the precedents set by his predecessors. However, his approach is distinctly his own, focusing on storytelling and world-building—a hallmark of Gaultier’s work. By bringing together the icons of Gaultier’s past and the muses of his own brand, de Saint Sernin creates a dialogue between two eras of fashion, resulting in a collection that is both timeless and innovative.
For readers and fashion enthusiasts alike, this collaboration offers a glimpse into the enduring power of creativity and the ability of fashion to transcend time. It reminds us that while trends may come and go, true innovation lies in the ability to draw from the past while pushing boundaries into the future. De Saint Sernin’s collection for Jean Paul Gaultier is more than just a runway show; it’s a testament to the timeless nature of great design and the endless possibilities that arise when two visionary minds come together.
The 1990s witnessed the rise of iconic supermodels who became global symbols of beauty and fashion. Names like Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Kate Moss, and Christy Turlington not only graced countless catwalks but also carved out enduring legacies in the industry. While these legends have transitioned into new ventures such as entrepreneurship and family life, their influence continues through a new generation. The daughters and sons of these icons are now making waves in the fashion world, walking for top-tier brands and establishing themselves as the next wave of models.
A New Era of Modeling Legacy
In recent years, the children of legendary models have begun to emerge as prominent figures in the fashion industry. Lila Moss, Kaia Gerber, and Lily McMenamy are among those who have become fixtures on prestigious runways. These young models bring fresh energy while honoring the legacy left by their parents. Grace Burns, daughter of Christy Turlington, made her debut at Milan Fashion Week, showcasing the passing of the torch from one generation to another. This shift highlights how the fashion world is evolving, yet still deeply rooted in its storied past.
These young models are not just capitalizing on their famous lineage; they are carving out their own paths. Lila Moss, with her striking features, has walked for Valentino and Miu Miu, proving that talent runs in the family. Kaia Gerber, daughter of Cindy Crawford, has been a regular on the runway for Marc Jacobs and other high-profile designers. Their success underscores the blend of heritage and innovation that defines this new era. Each appearance on the catwalk represents a continuation of the legacy built by their parents, yet each model brings a unique flair and individuality that sets them apart.
Continuing the Tradition with Fresh Faces
Beyond the well-known names, other offspring are also making significant strides. Grace Burns' debut at Alberta Ferretti's spring/summer 2024 show in Milan Fashion Week was a testament to the ongoing influence of her mother, Christy Turlington. Similarly, Heidi Klum’s son, Henry Samuel, recently took to the catwalk at Lena Erziak’s spring/summer 2025 Haute Couture presentation. These appearances signify the seamless integration of tradition and modernity in the fashion world.
The anticipation for future generations to follow suit is palpable. Naomi Campbell’s young daughter, who appeared on the cover of British Vogue’s March 2022 issue, hints at the potential for more heirs to join the ranks of supermodels. The fashion industry eagerly watches as these young talents develop, blending the iconic status of their parents with their own emerging identities. This generational transition promises to keep the spirit of supermodeling alive while introducing exciting new dimensions to the runway. Each step taken by these young models is a nod to the past, while forging ahead into an innovative and dynamic future.
In January 2025, the world's fashion capitals witnessed a unique trend that took over the streets even before the official start of the major fashion weeks. The runway may have been quiet, but the sidewalks were bustling with an unmistakable statement: voluminous, fuzzy jackets. From teddy bear beige to vibrant cobalt blue, these plush garments became the must-have item for fashion enthusiasts. This trend reflects not just a seasonal preference but also a broader shift in fashion aesthetics, blending high-end couture with eclectic, vintage-inspired styles. As images flooded in from men’s and couture shows, it became evident that fluffy outerwear was more than just a passing fad—it was a bold declaration of fashion identity.
The rise of oversized, plush jackets can be traced back to the mobwife aesthetic, which has gained traction over the past year. This look, characterized by its dramatic flair and opulent details, has inspired many fashion-forward individuals to embrace more extravagant trends. The allure of this style lies in its ability to combine elegance with a touch of rebellion, creating an unforgettable visual impact. Fashion icons have been spotted donning faux-fur coats, dark sunglasses, and gravity-defying hairstyles, all of which contribute to a strikingly extroverted appearance. This trend has not only captivated the attention of fashion insiders but has also resonated with a wider audience, particularly among younger generations.
Moreover, there is a growing interest in the "I got it at a carboot sale" aesthetic, which emphasizes a more casual, eclectic approach to styling. This look incorporates a mix of vintage and modern elements, often resulting in outfits that feel both nostalgic and contemporary. Second-hand stores and online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy have become go-to sources for finding unique pieces at affordable prices. From cozy shearling jackets to flamboyant faux-fur coats, these items offer endless possibilities for creating standout ensembles. The appeal of this trend lies in its versatility—whether you opt for a laid-back, everyday look or go all out with bold prints and textures, the result is always captivating.
This season's obsession with fluffy outerwear signifies a shift towards more expressive and individualistic fashion choices. Whether you choose to pair your plush jacket with jeans for a casual vibe or fully commit to a glamorous ensemble, the key takeaway is that this trend offers a powerful way to convey confidence and personality. In a world where fashion is increasingly about making a statement, these voluminous, textured garments provide the perfect canvas for self-expression. Embracing this trend allows individuals to stand out while still feeling comfortable and stylish.