Jean Paul Gaultier

Jul 2026

Jean Paul Gaultier continues its long-standing tradition of celebrating bold self-expression with the Classique Pride 2026 campaign, a visual manifesto that perfectly bridges the worlds of high fashion and fragrance. Captured through the lens of photographer Michael Bailey Gates, the project leans into editorial minimalism while maintaining the brand's signature rebellious spirit. The campaign features a diverse cast of models including Gottmik and Mecca Mozelle, whose dynamic energy is amplified by the expert fashion styling of Shawn Lakin. Utilizing a mix of natural light and precise studio strobe setups, the imagery shifts seamlessly between stark, high-contrast black and white portraits and vibrant, color-rich commercial shots that highlight the intricate graffiti-style details of the limited-edition fragrance packaging. The collaboration benefits from a cohesive visual language, bolstered by sharp hair artistry from Sonny Molina and transformative makeup work by Kennedy, which together create a polished, modern aesthetic against a clean studio backdrop. By placing the iconic torso-shaped bottles at the center of this energetic ensemble, the campaign successfully elevates the product as an extension of the wearers' own identities. It is a masterful study in portraiture, balancing the raw, uninhibited joy of the talent with the meticulous, highly commercial demands of the fragrance industry to produce a campaign that feels both urgent and timeless.

Editorial

Studio strobe

Fragrance, Beauty