Detail of a Jean Paul Gaultier dress, photographed during the exhibition "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk" at Kunsthal Rotterdam, between 10 February and 12 May 2013. Currently on show at the Grand Palais, Paris.

Gaultier left the ready-to-wear fashion business last September, focusing only on one-of-a-kind and couture garments. In a recent interview with The Associated Press he elaborates more on the reasons why he left the industry. Some quotes might be instructive: "Too many clothes kills clothes... Fashion has changed. A proliferation of clothing." ... "The system doesn't work... There aren't enough people to buy them. We're making clothes that aren't destined to be worn."