Paris, London, Tokyo, Milan and now finally, Brisbane. That’s the tour prolific designer Jean Paul Gautier’s Fashion Freak Show has undertaken over the last few years as the world’s most fashion-focused cities get the chance to experience the artistry and extravagance of the iconic designer. Crowned fashion’s ‘enfant terrible’, Jean Paul has gained a reputation for his fearless designs and raucous runway shows. The creative force behind the likes of Madonna’s cone bra, the cyber-dot print and his iconic sailor-inspired looks, Jean Paul has been responsible for some of fashion’s most memorable moments.

Conceived as a theatrical spectacle, Fashion Freak Show was developed in collaboration with world-famous choreographers, directors and musicians to craft a tribute worthy of Jean Paul’s life and career. The show traverses more than 50 years of the fashion icon’s life, backdropped by political and cultural changes of his generation. This reimagined runway show will be studded with hundreds of new exclusive outfits from Jean Paul, as well as some of the designer’s most revered creations. An explosive collision of revue, pop concert and fashion show, the provocative production pays homage to Jean Paul’s indelible legacy across fashion, art and culture.

Brisbane’s edition of Fashion Freak Show will have a local flair thanks to an exciting collaboration between the designer and local Indigenous artist Grace Lillian Lee. Handpicked by Jean Paul himself, Grace is known for her fusion of body armour and corsetry techniques with cultural heritage. Grace was invited to Paris in January this year to collaborate on a couture piece, which will make its world debut in Brisbane this August.

If Fashion Freak Show is to be Brisbane Festival’s centrepiece, the partnership between Jean Paul and Grace is the crowning jewel. “The coming together of Grace Lillian Lee and Jean Paul Gaultier will forever be one of my proudest moments,” shares festival curator Louise Bezzina. “And in an Olympic year when eyes will turn from Paris to Brisbane, the festival is perfectly placed to host this shining blockbuster event that brings together superstar talents from Europe and First Nations Australia.”

Beyond her feature in Fashion Freak Show, Brisbane will get to experience the trailblazing work of Grace with her new exhibition The Dream Weaver: Guardians of Grace, hosted at Brisbane Powerhouse throughout the festival. The exhibition will showcase eight ethereal shields and armours of Grace’s totem, Koysemer (moth). Through the interweaving of past and present, the new works explore Grace’s multicultural lineage from the symbolism of the Koysemer to her Chinese name. The extraordinary pieces will captivate the audience with the enduring power of art. The exhibition will run alongside Exposed Resilience – a mini exhibition of three full-body woven sculptures on display in the heart of The City at Brisbane Quarter. 

Fashion fans in the mood for more are in luck this festival season. The Be Iconic event invites Brisbane’s best and brightest budding designers to showcase their garments on the runway in a groundbreaking celebration of sensational style and inclusivity. For the seven weeks prior to showtime, community-based workshops will be held across three locations to help you master your design under the guidance of an incredible line-up of artists. Westfield Chermside will also be coming alive with art installations made from discarded textiles for a taste of eco-chic excellence. With up-cycling workshops and a panel event, No Waste Wardrobe will be the festival’s source of conscious fashion.

Whilst Brisbane Festival has gained a reputation for its world-renowned theatre, this year’s line-up will feature even more glitz and glamour. The goddess of all things glittering, Rachel Burke, is set to debut her latest creation Fancy Long Legs this September as part of Brisbane Festival. The new children’s play has been dreamed up by Rachel, who has overseen both the story and the play’s technicolour set decoration and costumes. At QPAC, Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s latest production GRIMM will delve into the darkness of fairy tales. This wickedly wonderful new show will be star-studded with costuming by Australian-fashion icon Paul McCann – best known for their abstract garments infused with motifs of their Marrithiyal identity.

Ready to strike a pose? Head to Brisbane Festival’s fashion program now.