.. Gautier's first collection was in 1976, though there was a huge cult following, it was not a financial success. The next year he signed a licensing deal with Kashiyama and in 1981 he had acquired additional support from the Italian companies Gibo and Equator. From there he became "Le Enfant Terrible" of the fashion world.

.. This very early Gaultier piece shows all the elements that made him a superstar. The shoulders are wide, and look as there may be pads, but there are none. The jacket closes with genuine dark shell buttons, but when closed they are hidden except the top one at the collar. There are zig-zag stitched seams from the bust to the hips all around the bodice every inch or so. The hip area is actually padded all around so it stands out quite a bit.

.. The fabric is charcoal gray cotton printed with tiny cream color skulls. They are so small that you don't notice at first they are skulls. It will surely be a conversation piece everywhere you go.