Jean Paul Gaultier Inks Provocation With Optically NSFW ‘Body Tattoo’ Pieces NSFW
By Mikelle Leow, 08 Nov 2023
Images via Jean Paul Gaultier
Jean Paul Gaultier is pushing the limits of showing skin with tops and dresses that make wearers look as though they’ve just stepped out with nothing but tattoos on them.
The ‘Body Tattoo’ pieces are part of the brand’s Tattoo Collection, which revives archival hand-traced body artworks dreamed up by the designer back in 2009.
Image via Jean Paul Gaultier
The sheer garments envision tats across the neck, arms, legs, and torso, with faux nipple piercings and intricate shading completing the illusion. With a stretchy fit comprising polyamide and elastane, they hug the body like a second skin, as they should.
Images via Jean Paul Gaultier
The naked look is splashed across mini and maxi dresses, crop tops, and—for the most realistic effect—jumpsuits.
Images via Jean Paul Gaultier
Images via Jean Paul Gaultier
2023 seems to be the year of trompe l’Oeil wear. The term, translating to mean “deceive the eye,” refers to a technique involving perspective play and careful shading. Months back, Balenciaga introduced linen pants hand-painted to resemble jeans, while Bottega Veneta designed its own “denim” wannabes using leather and viscose silk. Jean Paul Gaultier, too, has its own viscose pieces masterfully crafted to appear like worn denim.
Despite their NSFW appearance, the wearable temporary tattoos are part of a collection that’s meant to be worn “from office to club.” Though, you may want to carry a sweater with you to prevent accidental nip-slips at work.
The broader part of the range includes some less racy tattoo-inspired pieces, such as semi-sheer sailor-themed garments, as well as suits emblazoned with the brand’s ‘Safe Sex Forever’ design from 1996.
As for the aspiring birthday suits, they come in ‘Nude’ (light nude) and ‘Ebony’ (dark nude) options, and are priced between €320 (US$342) and €690 (US$738).
Images via Jean Paul Gaultier
[via Daily Mail, Highsnobiety, Hypebeast, images via Jean Paul Gaultier]