Winner of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest and bearded female alter-ego of 25-year-old Thomas Neuwirth, Conchita Wurst made her runway debut at the Jean-Paul Gaultier show in Paris on Wednesday. Of course, this came as no big surprise as the designer is known for welcoming controversy during his shows — remember the topless Madonna incident at his 1992 show? According to The Daily Mail UK, Wurst closed the show in an extravagant black bridal gown with gold, red and silver embellishments, a black veil and black arm gloves.
The closing model is a privileged spot, reserved for close friends and favorites of the designer. Previously, Dita Von Teese and Beth Ditto were given this honor, but this year, Gaultier knew exactly who he wanted to ask. In a recent interview with The Independent, Gaultier talked about how he first met Wurst two years ago at one of his shows and was extremely impressed by her. "I always say that beauty is difference and Conchita has shown us all that she is unstoppable. And she looks great in couture; she is a real couture woman." After Wurst walked the runway, Gaultier got down on one knee to praise her.
Conchita Wurst wasn't the only head-turner to walk the show. Gaultier also asked 56-year-old Swiss model Catherine Loewe to be a part of his presentation. Although she fell three times on her super high stilettos, Loewe still looked graceful and ultra fabulous with her high, silver hairdo and all black ensemble.
Gaultier is famous for breaking fashion stereotypes, especially when it comes to his fashion shows. Since the 1980s, the designer has featured models of all types — transgender, pierced and tattooed and now, older women. We should all applaud Gaultier for never being afraid to be different and to showcase what many people normally wouldn't in the fashion industry.
Images: Getty Images
