Jean-Paul Gaultier was born in Arcueil, France. He studied at the Ecole Communale, the College d’Enseignement, and at the Lycee d’Arcueil. When he reached the age of 17, he sent his design sketches to Paris designer Pierre Cardin. Cardin recognized his talent and offered him a position as design assistant;  he worked for Cardin for two years.  Gauliter then worked for the couture houses of Jacques Esterel, Jean Patou, Angelo Tarlazzi and Michael Goma. In 1976, Gaultier launched his design career under his label for a company called Mayagor, as well as continuing to design free-lance ready-to-wear furs, swimwear, and leather clothing.  In 1978, Gaultier presented his first collection.  In 1982, financed by the Japanese consortium Kashiyama, Gaultier established his own business.  During the 1980s, he was known as the designer who emphasi...