The first time I fell in love with Jean Paul Gaultier’s work was in the mid-1990s. I was watching Fashion Television on a Sunday evening and was instantly captivated by the outrageous and in-your-face designs.

Since then, Gaultier has flourished and matured in his craft presenting heavily themed and story driven collections. Last month, he showed his spring/summer 2010 haute couture collection channelling the Latin American soul and paying tribute to traditional Mexican style and cultural history.

As you watch the videos of the runway show, you’ll instantly feel the need for a margarita or piña colada. The sombreros, bolero jackets and the mariachi music brought back flashes of the Latin American history I studied in university. I love how Gaultier weaved in countless details, transforming black leather chaps with embellishments such as embroidery, fringes and woven gold lamé. Also, elements of the conquistador period were found in the finale pieces of the show; the royal blue dress with steel chest plates and head piece, and a cream coloured corset style top with a woven palm leaf skirt were stunning.  

Videos from YouTube