Amy Winehouse was an undeniably talented, and deeply troubled soul. But even after her death, did all of our memories of the late English chanteuse go back to black? I say, NO, NO, NO….

The media’s focus on Amy’s unfortunate battle with substance abuse took away from a lot of people’s awareness and appreciation of not only her raw talent, but also her eclectic, yet venerable sense of style. Sure, there’s her signature beehive hairstyle and heavy cat liner…

…then again, that’s hard to miss.

Very few people took note of Amy’s retro fashion.  She mixed and matched feminine pieces, like corsets and pencil skirts, ballet flats, fitted cardigan sweaters over brassieres, to name a few.  Even on days that she looked like she just rolled off of her bed, she still managed to add a touch of eclectic “hot mess” to her style.

Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring Couture 2012 collection, homage to the late singer, received mixed reviews from critiques.   The collection featured vamping models with gigantic beehives and colored wigs, thick eyeliner, complete with  Winehouse’ beauty mark.  Some, like the late singer, broke the rules and even smoked a cigarette on the runway (technically illegal in Paris).  The line included a lot of pencil skirts, bustier and corsets, asymmetrical necklines, oversized jackets, lace, embroideries, and sequence- all of these elements have a touch of the brazen Winehouse.

The New York Times praised Gaultier for highlighting Amy’s “chaotic essence in a marvelous show”.  The Indepent argued that the collection “hit all the wrong notes”, and Mitch Winehouse, Amy’s father felt the tribute was created “in bad taste”.

The video of the show is below.  What do you think?

Is Gaultier’s Spring 2012 collection heading to fashion rehab?

Again, I say NO, NO, NO.

Gaultier did not design the collection to glamorize Amy Winehouse during her most difficult, and controversial times in her life… Even though the collection is a bit overdone, that’s how it’s supposed to be.  It’s COUTURE, not Ready to Wear. The line was not executed with an offensive tone, but rather, Gaultier showcased the collection as a joyful tribute to the tragic singer who left this world too soon.

Love,
Honey