Everything started brilliantly. While in the ticket queue, a lady approached me and gave me a ticket, saying that a member of her party hadn't showed. Her generosity set my smile even more firmly on my face and so, clutching my ticket, I stepped into the world of Jean Paul Gaultier.
The exhibition was theatrical to say the least. All around stood mannequins with lifelike projected faces, draped in glitzy costumes. Some spoke to you, while others sang in unearthly voices while you gazed up at their decadent attire. Like Alice down the rabbit hole, I was sucked into the fantastical realm of Gaultier.
And what a world it was. I was surrounded by everything from beautiful couture and showgirl outfits worn by Kylie and Madonna, to the downright mythical- there was at least one mermaid outfit on display!*
My favourite photographer (Miles Aldridge) even made an appearance just before I rounded a corner and came face to face with a moving catwalk where mannequins glided by, displaying their finery.
One of my favourite costumes was found in a section entitled 'Skin Deep' and was a glittering black exoskeleton, complete with arm bones. I also adored the huge headdresses atop the street-inspired punks, making them tower above the surrounding mannequins.
The exhibition blew all my expectations out of the water (and trust me, I had high expectations!). It was fabulous from start to finish and really gave me an insight into the mind of Jean Paul Gaultier. The magic of the experience totally captivated me and I would strongly recommend getting down to the Barbican to experience it for your self before those life-like mannequins get up and walk away!
*One mermaid had crutches which injected some unexpected humour into the display!
