Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2004 Trousers

These trousers walked the runway as part of Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring 2004 collection, worn by model Tanel Bedrossiantz. Crafted from a coated man-made cloth, they have the texture of a waterproof trench coat and are decorated with the print of one. Known as trompe-l'œil (trick-of-the-eye), these fabric illusions have a long-standing place in fashion history. In 1938, Schiaparelli made "The Tears Dress" in collaboration with Salvador Dali, which was printed to look as though it was torn. In the 1990s, designers such as Margiela, Moschino and Gaultier pushed tromp-l'œil to new limits of deception. In 2024, JPG's Creative Director Florence Tètier reissued modern interpretations of a few of its tromp-l'œil pieces for a collection entitled "Très Gaultier". Bad Bunny wore a coat from the collection in June of the same year.

These earth-toned trousers have a classic slim-straight fit. They have leather-trimmed pockets at the hips and a welt pocket at the rear. They fasten at the waist with a hidden hook-and-eye clasp and zip. The seams at the side of the legs are also trimmed with leather. They are lined in tonal cotton.

Tanel Bedrossiantz was Gaultier's muse. Tall, dark, handsome and - crucially - camp, in the 1980s Tanel worked at legendary French fashion magazine Jill. Sent by the magazine to collect a sample from Jean Paul Gaultier, he was spotted sauntering through the office by the designer himself. Gaultier immediately cast him in his Fall 1985 "Joli Monsieur" show as well as the campaign for that season. A star was born. In 1993, Madonna named Tanel as her favorite model “because he’s masculine and feminine" and Vogue crowned him "the king of runway camp".

• Jean Paul Gaultier Homme Spring 2004 • Trousers • Coated fabric • Trompe-l'œil print • Leather trim • Made in Italy

Fabric: 100% Polyester
Stretch: No
Size on Label: Italian 46, UK 36, US 30
Care: Dry clean only
Condition: Excellent

Waist: 76 cm (30 inch)
Hips: 91.5 cm (36 inch)
Inside leg: 84 cm (33 inch)