Jean-Paul Gaultier retires from haute couture

Jean-Paul Gaultier, the French fashion icon, has announced he’s stepping away from the world of haute couture. The 67 year old Frenchman decided to leap off the catwalks he’s become so synonymous with.

The surprise move, at Paris Fashion Week, comes as Gaultier celebrates his 50th year in the fashion industry, and was made via a typically quirky message on his Twitter account.

Keeping a toe in

Gaultier famously dressed celebrities such as Madonna and Rihanna, while also establishing his own labels such as the eponymous Jean-Paul Gaultier. And although he’s moving away from the limelight, he was quick to confirm that Gaultier Paris will continue.

Gaultier also teases a “new concept” in the video, so we fully expect to hear from the legendary designer very soon.