We've observed what happens when Chitose Abe helms Jean Paul Gaultier couture. And we've witnessed Glenn Martens and Olivier Rousteing each add their own flair to the Gaultier codes. So, what will Haider Ackermann bring to Jean Paul Gaultier couture come spring 2023 in January? We're hankering to find out.

Known for his fluid tailoring, upon the announcement of Ackermann as the next guest designer, Jean Paul Gaultier told WWD, “I’ve always loved Haider’s work, especially on the tailoring. I am certain that his couture will be remarkable, and I cannot wait to discover the collection that he will present.”

Given that the last two collections – those under the guidance of Martens and Rousteing – were a spectacle, what with reimagined perfume bottles as clothes and giant frothy gowns worn by everyone from Chloë Sevigny to Jada Pinkett Smith, we imagine the collection presented by Haider Ackermann will be far more understated. Who knows, we might even get a celebrity runway appearance from Ackermann's friend, Timothée Chalamet?

After all, Ackermann is the person responsible for our favourite Chalamet red carpet moments. Who could forget that blazer-sweatpants combination at the 2021 Met Gala? Or the blood-red backless jumpsuit situation that sent the internet into a dither during the 2022 Venice Film Festival? Name an iconic Chalamet outfit and chances are Ackermann was the architect behind it.

Back in December 2021, Ackermann and Chalamet also teamed up to produce a limited-edition sweatshirt. The hoodie was created to support Afghanistan Libre, an NGO devoted to fighting for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan to education, and 100% of the proceeds from the sales were to be donated directly to Afghanistan Libre.

In any case, we're looking forward to seeing what Haider Ackermann does with Jean Paul Gaultier couture, and if there's a Timothée Chalamet appearance thrown in? Well, who are we to deny it.

Image: Instagram