Dating to the S/S 1997 collection, this Jean Paul Gaultier mesh dress features one of the house’s most recognisable trompe l’oeil motifs, printed to resemble a sharply tailored tuxedo layered directly onto the body. Variations of this signature sheer mesh appeared throughout the runway collection, reflecting Gaultier’s ongoing fascination with illusion, subversion and reworking traditional dress codes through stretch fabrication.

Cut in the house’s lightweight semi-sheer mesh with long sleeves and a close fit through the body, the print combines pinstripes, suiting details and jewellery motifs to create the effect of structured tailoring while retaining the fluidity and ease of a second skin silhouette, with the placement of the print contouring the figure. A rare archival example from one of Jean Paul Gaultier’s most celebrated periods of printed mesh work.

Made in Italy.

Reference Photos: (1-3) Jean Paul Gaultier Fashion Show S/S 1997

Marked size: M

Best for: S/M

Measurements (laid flat & fastened): shoulder to shoulder: 13.5"/35cm, bust: 11.7"/30.5cm, waist: 8.5"/22cm, length:  42"/109.5cm sleeve length: 19.5"/50cm

Material: acetate/elastane/polyamide

Condition: Excellent; extremely minor signs of wear