Jean Paul Gaultier challenges high-fashion sizing in Beth Ditto collaboration

Despite discontinuing ready-to-wear, French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier is teaming with singer Beth Ditto on a special-edition tee.

Mr. Gaultier and Ms. Ditto, who fronts the indie rock band Gossip, are close personal friends, with Ms. Ditto making an appearance on the Jean Paul Gaultier runway in a custom gown, which was later featured in the designer’s Brooklyn Museum retrospective. While Mr. Gaultier announced the end of his label’s ready-to-wear collections last fall, the move has allowed the designer more time for pet projects and couture presentations (see story).

Big, bold and beautiful
Ms. Ditto announced on Dec. 15 that she will be launching a plus-size clothing line. The special-edition t-shirt with Mr. Gaultier was announced simultaneously.

The Beth Ditto ♥ Jean Paul Gaultier tee is an oversized, dress-length shirt with a screen printing of Mr. Gaultier’s iconic bullet bra bustier. On the reverse side, the three-dimensional bustier’s corset lacing is shown. The shirt will retail for $165 on Ms. Ditto’s Web site, bethditto.com.

While designers collaborate with peers and friends quite often, this partnership is groundbreaking for high fashion. The Beth Ditto ♥ Jean Paul Gaultier marks the first time any piece designed by Mr. Gaultier besides bespoke orders will be made up to a size US 30.

Proceeds from the top's purchase will be donated to Girls Rock Camp Foundation, a charity that helps young girls develop life skills, creative expression and collaboration through music. Ms. Ditto acts as an advisory board member for the charity.

Beth Ditto ♥ Jean Paul Gaultier tee

In a statement Mr. Gaultier said, “Big girls are beautiful and Beth is super beautiful! Long live the beauty with shapes, boobs and bottoms. This is a new concept, a loose fit corset. And Beth fits it perfectly."

Regarding the collaboration Ms. Ditto said, “Jean Paul is the most generous, positive person. He truly loves women of all sizes and ages and knows how to make everyone feel gorgeous. I love that this shirt is funny and chic at the same time, like all the best people!”