A Sensory Overload of Fashion, Cabaret, and Extravagance
Stepping into 'Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show' at the Brisbane Festival feels like being thrust into the wild, eccentric mind of one of fashion’s most legendary icons. The show is an unapologetic mashup of cabaret, fashion, burlesque, and dance, with a sex appeal that leaves the audience gasping, gawking, and cheering throughout. It’s a loud, electric feast for the senses, fusing the best of Gaultier’s outrageous creativity with a raw, cheeky energy that perfectly suits Brisbane’s vibrant festival scene.
The South Bank Piazza has been transformed into a fully-fledged theatre, featuring a illuminated runway and high-tech screens, creating an ambiance of visual extravagance. The cabaret-style and booth seating evokes a speakeasy atmosphere for the evening, while gin bars both inside and outside the venue enhance the luxurious feel. The enclosed space of the venue, combined with the heat of Brisbane, necessitates bringing water and maybe a handheld fan, yet the steamy environment only heightens the allure of the sultry and electrifying performances.
The show opens with a bang—literally. "Le Freak" shocks you into attention, with dancers dressed as provocative teddy bears and sultry nurses draped in tinsel. It’s a wild and thrilling entrance that establishes the atmosphere for the journey through Gaultier’s imagination. Every act that follows offers a peek into his life, his loves, and his undeniable penchant for the theatrical.
Gaultier’s enduring fascination with corsetry is showcased in a sequence that transcends mere fashion—it’s a highly sexualised, sensually charged spectacle, featuring a dazzling vocalist performing amidst a simulated ménage à trois unfolding on a rotating wheel. Meanwhile, the striking visuals on the screens complement the provocative and risqué act.
The "Foiles-Bergère" number bursts onto the stage with a flamboyant energy, showcasing an eccentric mix of feathers, wings, extravagant headpieces, and even rollerblades. It's a dazzling homage to the glamour and absurdity of Parisian cabaret, inviting the audience into its quirky world with each bold move. Meanwhile, "Falbalas" beautifully captures Gaultier's 18-year-old self. We watch his wonder as his surreal designs materialise through dance—each costume a celebration of the eccentric brilliance that has solidified Gaultier's fame.
The segment that focuses on his "Grand Amour", Francis, introduces a unexpectedly gentle touch to the evening. In coordinated ensembles, JPG and Francis are bound together by a oversized sweater, two dancers are merged into a single tutu, and another pair are tethered by the strings on their attire and their wigs. A poignant moment arrives with the song "You’ve Got AIDS Under Your Skin", a ballad that accompanies a divine solo dance by 'Francis' as his character succumbs to AIDS. This powerful moment stands in stark contrast to the festive party atmosphere, yet it is handled with sensitivity and grace.
The "Fashion Police" skit, a hilarious portrayal of Anna Wintour (who was fully serving Edna Mode), provides comic interlude, as I presume the dancers frantically switch costumes. Then, we are catapulted into "London Calling", a punk-infused celebration of 1980s fashion that sees the dancers decked out in fishnets and leather. We are also treated to a daringly provocative scene set to "Relax" and breathtaking aerial dance moves, creating one of the most exhilarating segments of the night.
As we journey through the decades, Gaultier invites appearances from the likes of Prince, Bowie, and Madonna, bringing his pop culture-infused world to life. A dynamic dance battle unfolds to the tunes of "Supermodel" and "Vogue," leading into the fashion show featuring beautiful male models. As the vocalist performs "It’s a Man’s World," a daring striptease unfolds before our eyes. The nudity, boldness, and sheer unapologetic energy of the performance keep the crowd on their toes, and if you’re near the runway, don’t be surprised if a bare breast is suddenly in your face. The final segment, featuring animal-inspired outfits, is a masterclass in inventive fashion. By the time the cast strips down for their bows, dancing to "Le Freak" in perfect sync on a grand staircase, the audience is left utterly mesmerised. A fortunate audience member is even chosen to walk the runway, although if you are selected, please tread carefully on those stairs!
Gaultier’s dedication to diversity is one of the show’s triumphs. Performers of all shapes, sizes, and colours take the stage with confidence, embodying the designer’s long-held belief in beauty beyond conventional norms. And this cast is truly exceptional, with each performer bringing their own unique flair. Effortlessly merging their roles as fashion model, dancer, and actor, they collectively bring Jean Paul Gaultier's surreal world to life. Whether strutting down the runway in avant-garde outfits or executing complex contemporary choreography, they immerse themselves completely in each moment without showing any signs of fatigue despite the high-energy, intense heat, and multiple layers of clothing.
And speaking of looks—the costumes deserve more than a casual glance. Ranging from modernised corsets to unexpected combinations like tulle with denim, and even a garment made of what appears to be a garbage bag; each piece is extravagantly creative. Particularly noteworthy is the integration of sustainable materials, which is important in a fashion world that is now more mindful of its environmental impact. The 'Plastik Factory' segment, for instance, is not only visually captivating but also a clever nod to both high fashion and eco-awareness, prompting viewers to ponder the evolution of haute couture in contemporary society.
Eccentric, scandalous, provocative, and exuberant, Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show defies easy categorisation and refuses to be tamed. It’s a bold celebration of fashion, art, and culture that only someone like Gaultier could dream up, and Brisbane is enriched by the opportunity to witness this explosive tribute to his five-decade-long career.
If you're heading to this event, prepare to throw out all expectations. 'Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show' will dazzle, shock, and astonish as you dive headfirst into the flamboyant, rebellious world of fashion’s enfant terrible.
Where: South Bank Piazza
When: Now until 12th September
Tickets: $89-$149
Warnings: Nudity, strobe lighting, and scenes of a sexual nature
Tickets: Available here
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