Jean Paul Gaultier: The Haute Couture Years
Mouna Ayoub once again opens her exceptional wardrobe, this time revealing a rare trove of haute couture by Jean Paul Gaultier. After lying dormant for more than a decade, these remarkable garments, carefully stored in archival boxes with acid-free tissue, are poised to dazzle once again.
Image: Lot 6: A fine denim and ostrich feather evening gown, "Divine Jacqueline" collection, Spring-Summer 1999.
Image above: detail of a soutache embroidered organza trouser suit, "Punk Cancan" collection, Spring-Summer 2011.
The collection is undeniably museum-worthy, yet highly wearable, reflecting the timeless appeal of haute couture. Some pieces graced Mouna on the Cannes red carpet, while others—acquired purely for their beauty and impeccable craftsmanship—remain unworn, awaiting new admirers. The collection’s condition is outstanding, ready to be enjoyed anew on red carpets around the world or preserved in public collections.
Legendary for her discerning taste, Mouna Ayoub’s collection spans 41 exquisite pieces from Autumn-Winter 1998-99 to Autumn-Winter 2022-23. Among them, Gaultier’s famous tailored designs stand out—both an investment and a testament to his craftsmanship, meant to last a lifetime. The collection also showcases Gaultier’s diverse inspirations: the corset, trench coat, androgyny, world cultures, music, cinema, and his deep-rooted love for Paris. His genius lies in transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, as with Lot 1, a trench coat reimagined as a seductive evening gown.
Image: Lot 19: An embroidered evening gown "Paris and It's Muses" collection, Autumn-Winter 2000-2001.
Gaultier’s journey as a couturier was unconventional. Raised on the outskirts of Paris without formal training, he found inspiration in old films watched with his grandmother. At 18, he joined Pierre Cardin, who recognised his talent, launching Gaultier on a remarkable path. By the 1990s, he was celebrated for his boundary-pushing shows that mixed irreverence, wit, and inclusivity—featuring models of varied races, ages, sizes, and genders.
In 1997, after 20 years of redefining French ready-to-wear, Gaultier launched his own haute couture house, where he set new standards for craftsmanship, rivalling those of Chanel and Dior. Madame Ayoub, a devoted client, appreciated his reverence for the craft from the start. While Gaultier humbly refers to himself as an “artisan,” Andy Warhol disagreed, calling his creations true art.
Image: Lot 4: A fine silk and leather macramé evening gown,"Divine Jacqueline" collection, Spring-Summer 1999.
Whether artist or artisan, Gaultier’s legacy is indisputable. For those who appreciate haute couture as wearable art, this is a rare chance to own masterpieces from Mouna Ayoub’s collection—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for lovers of fashion history. Bid now, or miss the chance to be part of haute couture’s most legendary legacy.
Image above: detail of a soutache embroidered organza trouser suit, "Punk Cancan" collection, Spring-Summer 2011.
The collection is undeniably museum-worthy, yet highly wearable, reflecting the timeless appeal of haute couture. Some pieces graced Mouna on the Cannes red carpet, while others—acquired purely for their beauty and impeccable craftsmanship—remain unworn, awaiting new admirers. The collection’s condition is outstanding, ready to be enjoyed anew on red carpets around the world or preserved in public collections.
Legendary for her discerning taste, Mouna Ayoub’s collection spans 41 exquisite pieces from Autumn-Winter 1998-99 to Autumn-Winter 2022-23. Among them, Gaultier’s famous tailored designs stand out—both an investment and a testament to his craftsmanship, meant to last a lifetime. The collection also showcases Gaultier’s diverse inspirations: the corset, trench coat, androgyny, world cultures, music, cinema, and his deep-rooted love for Paris. His genius lies in transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, as with Lot 1, a trench coat reimagined as a seductive evening gown.
Gaultier’s journey as a couturier was unconventional. Raised on the outskirts of Paris without formal training, he found inspiration in old films watched with his grandmother. At 18, he joined Pierre Cardin, who recognised his talent, launching Gaultier on a remarkable path. By the 1990s, he was celebrated for his boundary-pushing shows that mixed irreverence, wit, and inclusivity—featuring models of varied races, ages, sizes, and genders.
In 1997, after 20 years of redefining French ready-to-wear, Gaultier launched his own haute couture house, where he set new standards for craftsmanship, rivalling those of Chanel and Dior. Madame Ayoub, a devoted client, appreciated his reverence for the craft from the start. While Gaultier humbly refers to himself as an “artisan,” Andy Warhol disagreed, calling his creations true art.
Whether artist or artisan, Gaultier’s legacy is indisputable. For those who appreciate haute couture as wearable art, this is a rare chance to own masterpieces from Mouna Ayoub’s collection—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for lovers of fashion history. Bid now, or miss the chance to be part of haute couture’s most legendary legacy.
The Jean Paul Gaultier: The Haute Couture Years Auction will be held on Monday 25 November, 6:00pm at 84, rue de Turenne - 75003 PARIS. Find out more by Clicking Here.