Mitch Winehouse has expressed his discontent with fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier, following a catwalk ‘tribute’ to his late daughter Amy that took place in Paris two nights ago.
The show hosted by Gaultier featured models strutting down the runway while smoking, all adorned with Winehouse’s iconic beehive hairstyles and heavy eyeliner.
Mitch stated that he and the entire family of the late singer felt distressed upon seeing images from the event, considering it to be “in bad taste”. He remarked, “Seeing those pictures was shocking for the family. We’re still in mourning, especially with the six-month mark of Amy’s passing being difficult for us. Witnessing her image being used in such a manner to promote clothing was an unexpected blow and something we weren’t consulted about.”
He further commented, “While we’re proud of her impact on fashion, having models adorned in black veils, smoking cigarettes, and accompanied by a barbershop quartet performing her music strikes us as tasteless. It reflects a side of Amy during challenging times, romanticizing her most troubling periods, which is hurtful to her family.”
Mitch also expressed his frustration that Gaultier did not extend an offer to donate to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, deeming the event “purely a means for Gaultier to profit.”
In contrast, Gaultier has referred to the show as “a tribute,” insisting that the overall atmosphere was “joyous.”
At least Jean Paul Gaultier refrained from having his models rolling on the ground, intoxicated and fighting photographers.
Now that would have truly been a tribute.
by Milo Johnson
