James Bond Infiltrates Jean Paul Gaultier

Bond....James Bond

Espionage has never looked this good. Incomparable French couture designer Jean Paul Gaultier gifted Paris Men's Fashion Week with a brilliant and daring homage to the one and only James Bond. Drawing inspiration from the renowned fictional English spy, Gaultier has designed this year's fall menswear collection with a sleek theme that only one symbolic MI6 agent can achieve. From models carting guns on the runway to red corsages and tuxedo-styled suits, Gaultier's inspirations were unmistakably conveyed by only one name: Bond...James Bond.

Designer Profile: Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier

Who? What? Where? Why? When?

Compelling as they are paramount, several top designers in our glorious fashion industry may remain unknown or simply unfamiliar to the general public. Whether culturally-defining or trend-inducing, simple facts detailing information such as birthplace, education, and sources of inspiration are sadly unnoticed by both the average person and fashion consumers alike. Quite regularly, people have questioned me whether or not Christian Dior was female or living which sees an unfortunately dreadful cringe spread about my face. Nonetheless, I suppose such exhausting questions about Dior have inspired this desire to begin writing, perhaps once or twice a week, about simple designer profiles.

Today's guest of honor is none other than Jean Paul Gaultier.

Prêt-à-Porter Fall/Winter 2009/2010

Born: April 24, 1952

Birthplace: Arcueil, Val-de-Marne, France

Nationality: French

Title: Grand couturier (member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture - the French legal body that states which designers & houses can officially employ the title of "haute couture")

Labels: Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès (Creative Director 2003-2010), Gaultier PARIS, JEANS Paul Gaultier, Eyewear Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Argent

Education: Never received formal training. Sent sketches to Pierre Cardin who was highly impressed and subsequently hired Gaultier as his assistant in 1970.

Inspirations: Typically found ideas through street-wear and the general public

Classifications: Haute couture, prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear), menswear, beauty & fragrance, accessories.

Clients: Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Mylène Farmer, Marilyn Manson, Rihanna.

Menswear Fall/Winter 2010/2011

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Automne/Hiver 2010/2011

Aran Knitwear is All The Rage for Winter

Zara Man, London

Brrrrrr!!! Frigid fronts with sparkling snow is what much of the United States and United Kingdom are forced to battle these past few weeks, so why not brave these unforgiving conditions in style? Purely and simply put, woolen clothing is a must for the cold seasons. Wool is perhaps my ultimate favorite fabric, not only for keeping warm, but because it's undeniably timeless, classic, and will never go out of style. Whether thick or thin, be sure to own several styles of woolen sweaters in your wardrobe.

Now, kind ladies and gentlemen, this prompts me to discuss one major trend this season called the Country Heritage theme. This beautiful look, which ultimately leads to the lovely and intricate Aran sweater knits, is currently exhibited by designers and retailers worldwide. Originating from the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland, Aran sweaters are typically bulky garments with prominent knitting techniques, such as the renowned cable-knit stitch. Initially a fisherman's sweater, often knitted in cream color, the unmistakably textured garment is now worn worldwide by males and females alike.

A few short hours ago during my journey home, I managed to find two lovely classic Aran-knitted cream merino wool scarves (pictured below). The bulky one on the left will be given as a stylish Christmas gift with the one to its right finding its home around my neck. Both scarves, 100% merino wool, made in Ireland, featuring several types of Aran-knitting in each (Cable, Irish Moss, Honeycomb, and Diamond) retail for $150 each which I graciously found for a mere $29 at an off-price retailer (TJ Maxx). This short story of mine proves that you need not always spend a shiny penny on quality fashion pieces.

Two multi-style Aran-knitted cream merino wool scarves.

The following are Aran Knits offered by fashion retailers across the globe:

Topshop, London

Peek Cloppenburg, Berlin

Jean Paul Gaultier, Paris

Bel Air, Paris

Stefanel, Berlin

Forever 21, New York

Dior Homme, my personal wardrobe.

"Knitwear is still very elegant and it will last forever. It is always very satisfying to make something with one's hands and that is, I think, why knitting is so popular. There is a great art in knitting beautifully and a beautiful frock, knitted in fine wools in a delicate pattern, is as great a work of art as a painting, and more practical!" - Christian Dior, 1954