The Shoe Museum in Romans-sur-Isère, Drôme, in France, is opening a new Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition, from April 27 to November 3, 2024.

The exhibition, curated by independent shoe stylist Olivier Jault, will highlight the French fashion designer’s collaboration from 1984 to 1996 with one of the era’s shoe industry titans, Stephane Kélian. At that time, France’s textile industry deemed Jean Paul Gaultier’s ideas too eccentric to embrace, but Kélian welcomed his ideas with open arms. 

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to explore these pieces, thanks to loans from Jault and seasoned collectors, including artist Anouschka, and former model Ryan Benacer, among others.

In particular, the exhibit showcases shoes bearing the label “Jean Paul Gaultier for Stephane Kélian,” accompanied by select garments. Additionally, there will be advertisements, invitations, and excerpts from runway catalogs, illustrated notably by Thierry Perez and Pauline Binoux, alongside videos. 

This exhibition will also live through the museum’s permanent collections, housing over 20,000 objects. Visitors can explore various Kélian braided models, including a derby shoe replicated in an XXL version in the heart of the city center, as well as creations by Jean Paul Gaultier like the “Tattoo” collection boots.