Jean Paul Gaultier forged a career in fashion because of his love for cinema.
The celebrated designer launched his first individual collection in 1976, after spending years working under other famed figures in fashion including Pierre Cardin.
He received no formal training in the industry, instead choosing to follow his passion for clothes, which was ignited from his love of cinema and also fuelled by feelings of rejection.
"The film industry made me want to do it (fashion), gave me my passion," Gaultier told French Radio London. "The cinema has allowed me to be loved by others in some way. I was rejected when I was a kid. Fashion can open minds, create dialogue with others, and even love stories."
His love of cinema has also shaped the way he displays his collections and exhibitions, with the designer often featuring short films to accompany his work.
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Despite his love for moving imagery, many of Gaultier's muses have come in the form of music stars. Madonna, Beth Ditto and Kylie Minogue have all influenced his work in the past, but the designer is quick to point out that for him there is no such thing as the perfect female form.
"The perfect woman doesn't exist for me because it is what some would call imperfections which make the charm, the difference, and are interesting," he explained.
"There is no perfect woman for me because what I like seeing is some character; people who have an uncommon nose, an original hair colour or a mix of harmony, interesting and beautiful.
"To tell you the truth, I'm trying to see beauty where some people don't look, because it's there too."
The 62-year-old French designer is lauded for his daring designs. Some of these have become part of pop culture's history, including the iconic cone bra that Madonna wore on her 1990 Blond Ambition tour.
When quizzed about his tendency to go against convention, Gaultier put it down to his younger years.
"It comes from my childhood, when I have been told Santa Claus didn't exist. I was really disappointed and realised that what I have been told may be lies," he said.
