When Jean Paul Gaultier announced his SS20 Haute Couture show would be his last, the designer threw an almighty party. Proving why is he is so often called the enfant-terrible of fashion, the French creative staged a mock funeral, with his collection modelled by the likes of Bella Hadid, Dita Von Teese, and Coco Rocha. 

Gaultier did, however, reveal that his Haute Couture would continue without him, albeit with a “new concept”. Now, that concept has been unveiled, with the iconic designer taking to Instagram once again to announce he will invite a new designer to come in and “interpret the codes of the house” each season, adding that he was “Doubly pleased that Chitose Abe of @sacaiofficial will be the first one!” 

Having founded Sacai in 1999, Japanese designer Abe is known for her technically innovative designs which combine streetwear aesthetics with feminine flourishes. Also collaborating with the likes of Nike, Sacai will work with Gaultier to present its upcoming Haute Couture collection in July 2020.

Although further details of the partnership yet to be revealed, this is only the latest high profile fashion collaboration to be announced in recent weeks. Last month, Prada welcomed Raf Simons as its co-director, with the Belgian designer set work with Miuccia Prada to co-create the Italian label's ongoing collections. 

Revisit Jean Paul Gaultier’s SS20 Couture show above.