A rare vintage Jean Paul Gaultier set from Fall 1999 consisting of two maxi dresses: a printed mesh overlay dress and a matching long underdress. Both pieces can be styled separately or worn together for a distinctive layered effect, offering two fully wearable pieces in one set. The images show beautifully how the dresses look when worn individually and how they transform to create a completely different visual effect when layered together.
The tubular collars and cuffs are one of the defining design elements of the Fall 1999 collection. Gaultier used these sculptural details throughout the collection, creating an instantly recognizable and highly collectible silhouette. The reference images from the Fall 1999 runway show illustrate the tubular design elements and their importance within this collection. Similar pieces from this collection have appeared on celebrities and red carpets over the years.
Both dresses are made from Gaultier’s characteristic fine nylon mesh fabric. The sleeveless underdress features an extra-long, slim silhouette in a nude beige-yellow tone. It is finished with the signature tubular collar, which is padded with a soft foam insert to create its rounded shape.
The printed overlay dress is slightly shorter, allowing the underdress to show beneath the hem and creating a layered visual effect. It features a dark green base colour with an ethnic-inspired print in warm autumnal tones, a recurring theme in Gaultier’s work. The dress has long sleeves with matching tubular details at the cuffs and collar. A particularly beautiful detail are the decorative outer seams of the printed dress that are finished with slightly fuzzy dark green wool threads, creating a subtle textured contrast and adding a seasonal autumn feel to the lightweight mesh material.
Both dresses feature the characteristic Jean Paul Gaultier back loop detail and are made in Italy from 100% nylon.
CONDITION
The set is in excellent vintage condition with only minimal signs of wear. The delicate mesh fabric of both dresses is completely intact, with no tears or damage, which is particularly rare.
SIZE
Both dresses are labelled size L.
MEASUREMENTS (laid flat and unstretched - the highly elastic mesh fabric allows for flexibility in fit)
