Troubled Times at Jean Paul Gaultier
By Timothy Hagy, Paris Editor

According to a press release issued by Jean Paul Gaultier Couture, the House is embarking on a period of restructuring in an attempt to stabilize finances by the end of 2005. Just as the celebrated designer's eponymous label entered into a period of expansion (opening new boutiques, developing the haute couture line, and launching accessories), a series of international crises caused economic havoc across the entire luxury sector.

When pressed by Agence France Presse, Donald Potard, CEO of Gaultier, insisted that the House intended to "conserve all of its activities, beginning with Haute Couture."

Famed Paris luxury label Hermès holds 35% of Gaultier Couture, and has itself seen a turbulent week. Stocks tumbled on the Paris Stock Exchange on Monday, November 8, following publication of weaker than expected third quarter earnings. According to Women's Wear Daily, part of Hermès problem stems from late delivery of pieces from Jean Paul Gaultier's premier collection of women's Ready-to-Wear.