Two Jean Paul Gaultier Coats
Alicia Simeran was born in Mendoza, in the heart of Argentina’s wine country. While attending Catholic school, Alicia’s mother helped her construct a dress of her own design. Upon seeing this creation, Alicia was instantly sent home by the principal for the risqué look. A love for the daring was instilled in her from that moment on. She came to the United States as a young woman with her husband, raised her family, and created a new life in Chicago. Alicia began working for Missoni, at the legendary department store Bonwit Teller. She broke the rules by wearing pantsuits, when the dress code requirement for women was skirts only. Once again, Alicia was sent home to change. Alicia later discovered the fashion emporium, Ultimo, a boutique that was known for outfitting Chicago’s dangerously chic. The boutique spoke her love of avant-garde design and provided her with just the palate she had longed for. Alicia relied on the legendary boutique for nearly thirty years, as it offered the unique and daring garments she cherished. Alicia Simeran was truly an expert curator of fine things, and Hindman Auctions is proud to showcase her impressive collection of advanced designer clothing that includes some of the most sought-after brands in the fashion world.
Fashion’s "enfant terrible", Jean Paul Gaultier (1952-present) paves his own way. Even as a young child, he had a remarkable vision for iconoclastic fashion. Inspired by the lingerie in his grandmother’s magazines, six-year-old Gaultier made a cone bra for his teddy bear, Nana, out of newsprint. At age 18, he began his career as an assistant to Pierre Cardin, and shortly after launched his eponymous label in 1976. Daring, irreverent, and risqué, Gaultier’s designs are always on the cutting edge. He draws inspiration from sources as far-flung as the Eiffel Tower, Edgar Degas, cowboys, bondage, human musculature, French mariners, and mermaids. During his tenure as the creative director of Hermès from 2003 to 2010, Gaultier playfully riffed on the house’s heritage, creating the highly sought-after ‘So Black’ Birkin, Shadow Birkin, and Kelly Danse, among many others.
Gaultier remains a force in popular culture. Since 1985, his collaborations with Madonna have been lightning in a bottle. Gaultier has designed countless legendary looks for Madonna, including the iconic cone bra, and set into motion the enduring underwear-as-outerwear trend. Among his other famous clients are Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, and Kurt Cobain. Gaultier’s influence reaches beyond runways and red carpets–– his boundless imagination for fantasy has proved equally fruitful in the world of film. In 1997, he designed over 1000 spectacularly over-the-top, retro-futurist costumes for Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element, including the iconic ensembles worn by Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod and Milla Jovovich as Leeloo. Gaultier also designed the costumes for Pedro Almodóvar’s films Kika, Bad Education, and The Skin I Live In. Though he announced his retirement from couture in 2020, Gaultier continues to work on creative projects. A true visionary, Jean Paul Gaultier has forever changed the culture of fashion.
THE FIRST
Long, double-breasted robe-style coat in black poly-blend crepe with notched collar and flared sleeves. Features jacquard lining and snap/ribbon frog closure at front. Fall-Winter 1997.
Label: Jean Paul Gaultier
Size: 8
Country of Origin: Italy
Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 16"
Chest: 34"
Sleeve Length from Center Back Neckline: 32.5"
Length from Center Back Neckline: 52.5"
THE SECOND
Long, oversized, robe-style coat in green/dark pink poly-blend jacquard with brown velvet accents. Coat features tie closures at side seams and center front with two chest pockets.
Label: Jean Paul Gaultier
Size: 44
Country of Origin: Italy
Approximate Measurements:
Chest: 54"
Sleeve Length from Center Back Neckline: 35"
Length from Center Back Neckline: 49.5"
This lot is located in Chicago.
Property From the Personal Wardrobe of Alicia Simeran