Jean Paul Gaultier artistic director of an animated film

« I was flattered that they thought of me, » shares Jean Paul Gaultier, the enfant terrible of fashion aged 72, who is embarking on a new adventure. This time, it’s not for a fashion show, but as the artistic director for an animated feature film. At the Annecy Festival 2024, Gaultier surprised the world by revealing his involvement in this ambitious cinematic project. In collaboration with the Belgian studio nWave, known for productions like « Sammy’s Adventures » and « The Queen's Corgi », Gaultier brings his legendary flair to an innovative and promising project.

Known for his iconic corsets, reimagined sailor shirts, and theatrical fashion shows, Gaultier has redefined fashion norms for decades. Contrary to expectations, his retirement from the runways in 2020 did not mark the end of his artistic journey, but rather the beginning of a new exploration. Drawn by the limitless possibilities of animation, he asserts: « In animation as in fashion, we can imagine anything. » This fascination with creative freedom and the ability to transcend artistic boundaries have been essential drivers of his commitment to this project. The film, whose title is yet to be defined, tells « the story of a moth that dreams of haute couture, far from its destiny of making holes in sweaters. A universe that is both realistic and contemporary, blending the worlds of humans and insects. » Directed by Benoît Philippon, renowned for his work on « Mune: Guardian of the Moon, » and written by Émilie Frèche and Amanda Sthers, the film promises to explore universal themes such as perseverance, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of dreams. The first images, unanimated sketches presented in Annecy, have already captivated the public’s imagination with their distinctive aesthetic.

The designer's influence is evident in every visual aspect of the film: from the costumes to the bucolic settings, in a contemporary Paris with buildings inspired by the grand boulevards, including one adorned with giant scissors framing the entrance of Paul Vital’s house, Gaultier's alter ego in the story, and a spectacular show at Place de la Concorde. « In animation as in fashion, we can imagine anything, » he insists, highlighting the artistic freedom and innovation that animation offers to his ideas. The script also holds surprises with the presence of little sewing hands, nicknamed « our own minions » by the film’s team, as well as living hangers and mannequins acting as a Greek chorus, commenting on the action. In collaboration with nWave, known for its mastery of 3D animation technology, the film promises not only to captivate a diverse audience but also to elevate the artistic standards of contemporary animated cinema. For Jean Paul Gaultier, this project marks an exciting new phase in his already legendary career. As the film prepares for an expected release in early 2027, expectations are high regarding its potential impact on the global film and cultural industry.