The fall 1998 black evening trench and halter gown, with an estimate of 4,000-6,000 euros.
The fall 1998 black evening halter gown, echoing the double-breasted look of the coat.
A closer look at the intricate inner workings of the dress, which required 68 hours.
Evan Agostini
Meanwhile, I was happy to be chatting with her.
Id first heard of Ayoub years ago when I lived in London.
A strapless gown from spring 1999 magically frothed up from faded denim and showgirl feathers.
The fall 1998 black evening trench and halter gown, with an estimate of 4,000-6,000 euros.
Estimate: 25,000-35,000 euros.
A back view of the look, where faded distressed denim dressed up to the nines with ostrich feathers.
A closeup of the feathersthe work for this dress took 64 hours.
The fall 1998 black evening halter gown, echoing the double-breasted look of the coat.
Mouna, why did you feel now was to sell some of your Gaultier Couture?
It was better to just do the auction.
Are you selling everything of Jean Pauls designs?
A closer look at the intricate inner workings of the dress, which required 68 hours.
The ones I am selling Ive already been photographed in: I cant wear them anymore!
What was appealing to you about Jean Pauls vision of couture?
Jean Paul had a unique, very witty way of creating clothes, yet they were also very elegant.
A strapless gown from spring 1999 magically frothed up from faded denim and showgirl feathers. Estimate: 25,000-35,000 euros.
I have never tried on a gown of his that looked vulgar in any way.
It can be extravagant, but its always about elegance meeting art and witand its never boring.
But I loved Jean Paul because there was a very French sense of design.
A back view of the look, where faded distressed denim dressed up to the nines with ostrich feathers.
And his work was always about Paris, about the glamour of Parisbut done with a sense of fun.
The beaded Pigalle tribute gown from fall 2000, which has an estimate of 7,000-10,000 euros.
The back view of the beaded gown from fall 2000.
A closeup of the feathers—the work for this dress took 64 hours.
A closeup at the gown, which took 350 hours to make.
What was the first look you bought?
I just loved it.
The beaded Pigalle tribute gown from fall 2000, which has an estimate of 7,000-10,000 euros.
Of course I went on to buy other pieces.
Every time he did a couture collection, I went to see it.
When did you first wear the trench look?
The back view of the beaded gown from fall 2000.
You will be surprised: I never did [laughs]!
I dont know why.
So I never found the right occasion!
A closeup at the gown, which took 350 hours to make.
An embroidered gilded pantsuit, which Ayoub reckons used 4 kilometers of thread to make.
Estimate: 5,000-7,000 euros.
The Gaultier Paris logo embroiders the back of the blazer.
An embroidered gilded pantsuit, which Ayoub reckons used 4 kilometers of thread to make. Estimate: 5,000-7,000 euros.
A closer look at the embroidered gilded pantsuit, the result of 200 hours work.
Was there a look you particularly loved to wear?
Yes, lot 25 [an embroidered, gilded evening pantsuit].
The Gaultier Paris logo embroiders the back of the blazer.
Do you know how much thread is used in this?
At least three kilometers.
The fall 1998 taffeta blouson and floor length kiltthe latter entirely beaded.
A closer look at the embroidered gilded pantsuit, the result of 200 hours work.
The beaded kilt, with Ayoub taking the version that was shown on the runway.
What influenced your choice of looks?
Can you talk me through the ordering process?
The fall 1998 taffeta blouson and floor length kilt—the latter entirely beaded, and carrying an estimate of 12,000-15,000 euros.
Id go look at the collection closely, touch it, feel it.
Then they make a toile, and you pay 50% of the cost of the look.
Then thats adjusted and sent away to be finished, with the third fitting done with the embroidered piece.
The fall 1998 taffeta blouson and floor length kilt—the latter entirely beaded.
I didnt want to wear a traditional wedding dress, so I thought I would wear a Gaultier dress.
In the end, I still got the dress [laughs] and wore it to Cannes.
And I am selling it now because I am for sure not getting married!
The beaded kilt, with Ayoub taking the version that was shown on the runway.
Have you ever changed your mind about a look?
Not after I have ordered it.
And I end up choosing a dress that previously I hadnt paid any attention to.
Thele smokinginspired ballgown with tuxedo trousers. Estimate: 8,000-10,000 euros.
That happened quite often.
Its a bit like dating: You dont always immediately know!
Exactly [laughs]!
The back view of this Spring 2002 dress, with its dramatic train.
It is like dating; sometimes you have to see the look a few times to know.
But price also plays an important role, especially if youre ordering more than one look.
I take my time to decide.
Gaultier loved traditional corsetry—and so too does Ayoub. This look is the result of 236 hours work.
Is there one look you cant ever imagine getting rid of, Mouna?
Although I love haute couture very much, and I order a lot, I am not that materialistic.
Im not attached to my things like theyre objects of desire I cant ever live without.
A beaded crop jacket, bra top and skirt from fall 2012, from a collection that was inspired by Amy Winehouse. Estimate: 7,000-10,000 euros.
So I will keep it til I die and give it to her then.
But all the others?
Eventually, in five to 10 years time, I will sell them all.
A side view of the look that Gaultier calledWhat A Fuckery.
Now she has retired but I still see her, and say hello, and send her flowers.
Thele smokinginspired ballgown with tuxedo trousers.
Estimate: 8,000-10,000 euros.
A closer look at the beadwork, which is typical of Gaultier’s approach to handwork: Beautifully done, but with a sly wink of humor.
The back view of this Spring 2002 dress, with its dramatic train.
Gaultier loved traditional corsetryand so too does Ayoub.
This look is the result of 236 hours work.
Are you still a couture client?
Yes, I buy four gowns a year.
One from Dior, one from Chanel and now I am crazy about Schiaparelli.
I have ordered from John at Maison Margiela too.
So, yeah, I still do.
I dont spend money on anything else.
I mean, yes, shoes and bags when necessary, but I dont buy jewelry.
I refuse to go to jewelry events because I know I am never going to buy anything.
Estimate: 7,000-10,000 euros.
A side view of the look that Gaultier calledWhat A Fuckery.
