Inspired by the much-admired Amy Winehouse, Jean-Paul Gaultier couture show for Spring 2012, artfully married her pinup edge with his design mastery. Year after year the Gaultier look remains as a stunnning example  of a timeless design signature. Yours truly is forever fan. On the next page see some of our favorite looks, via V.O.

Putting aside for now the clothing side of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Autumn 2011 collection (which seem to have received quite the positive reception), lay your eyes on the footwear featured in the runway presentation. While the platform silhouette is nothing new, the materials story elevates the shoe to one of pure delight. More images of shoes on the next page, plus close-ups on hair, makeup, and JPG’s dramatically accessorized and manicured hands.

As much as this video omitted Beth Ditto opening the show, I loved how it allows us to see that the models really got into the mood of the Joan Jett fierceness the collection illustrates. I for one  deeply admire  Jean-Paul Gaultier, who tends to not fully reinvent himself every season, but continues to expand on his aesthetic. Gaultier has a stamp, a brandless trademark that has contributed maybe not to his commercial success, but definitely to  his longevity. Spring 2011 rocked!

We showed you the first look at the Jean Paul Gualtier collaboration with Melissa. Now you get a look at the same shoe in a variety of hues. On the flip, find an update–with cherries–from Vivienne Westwood, and some sparklet go-go boots!

Rihanna wore a lace Gaultier gown and Nina Ricci shoes on the red carpet for the French NRJ Awards (see her performance of of “Russian Roulette at JustJared.) Her love for edgy fashion still leaps out, but one can’t help but wonder if the ultra-femmy, white lace top isn’t a signal that she’s beginning to shift in a slightly less dark direction.

Source: RihannaDaily.

A fun music video by  Martin Solveig in collaboration with Dragonette‘ s Martina Sorbara  for Jean Paul Gaultier’s Ma Dame fragrance  titled Boy & Girls , filmed at the Gaultier’s headquarters  in France , via fashionisto.

Who doesn’t love Jean Paul the man? Still, the nagging sense that’s he’s struggled over the years to recreate the magic of the 90s remains. No doubt this issue is in part connected to cash, which is critical to building a brand’s coolness cache . My guess is that Jean Paul doesn’t have as much of it as some of the other titans of the business.  Alas, life is anything but fair. That being said, his latest collection was lovely to look at…

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2009

All images Style.com

After the jump, Jean Paul can’t help but declare his lifelong devotion, as he looks back longingly at brighter days…