Was the choice of invitation for Gaultier’s show (a sales order form), signifying Gaultier was getting serious about sales? In an unusual move for the Parisian fashion icon, the designer shunned his customary flamboyant fashion show and instead fashioned a behind the scenes sales appointment.

A group of dressers and makeup artists prepared the models on a two-story scaffolding set before sending them out to be viewed by the audience as an elusive voice over described each out-fit. It was part old-school haute couture, as the models alighted from the scaffolding and ambled around the showroom, pausing in front of tables specially reserved for buyers, who reached out to feel the clothes and write their orders for the new Spring offerings.

Usual Gaultier traits including striped knits and slim-fitting suits were mixed with Hawaiian prints, houndstooths and Paris street signs for the rue Saint Martin were printed across tailoring. Plaid suits were worn with matching trench coats and floral prints adorned elegant shorts styled up with a tuxedo jacket. For the finale, Gaultier’s wit returned as models paraded out in just their boxers and Breton tops.

The straightforwardness of Gaultier’s presentation and his clothes were modest but uncharacteristically exciting. Perhaps the designer had other things on his mind – the designer has currently been working on the first international exhibition devoted to his work. ‘The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk’ has just opened at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts