Jean-Paul Gaultier's 1997 African inspired Collection

In 1997, Gaultier presented a collection in Paris that he described as a reaction against the antagonistic relationship that France had with its African immigrants. " I have a certain point of view on different problems and I try to express my opinions through my collections," Gaultier said to the Washington Post. His inspiration comes from a particular vision of an African immigrant in cities such as Paris or New York; this regal women kept many of the vibrant colours and fabrics of her homeland but also adopted many of the styles of her country. As a result his collection celebrated the African diaspora in a sensitive and intelligent way, something that had rarely been accomplished in the past. Today we see a lot more of the African influence emerging on the runways all over the world.

Visit the official Jean-Paul Gaultier site here

Extract of this article courtesy of Icons of Fashion The 20th Century by Robin Givhan