So Far So Goude

Jean-Paul Goude – the prolific image-maker has been creating visuals for over thirty years. From his vibrant ad campaigns to his striking illustrations, Goude’s work has proved inspirational on many levels. In conjunction with his new book ‘So Far So Goude,’ he recently gave an exclusive talk, along with a screening his film packed full of influences…

 

So Far So Goude book

 

Goude has difficulty in describing his job title, he finally settles for “image-maker”, although slightly ambiguous it seems totally apt. Truth is, the long answer would contain a broad range of job labels including: illustrator, photographer, film maker, event designer and advertising director, he could no doubt add more.

 

By his own admission he says “I got lucky because I could draw.” Indeed, it was his drawing skills that got his foot in the door and he has relied on them ever since - always working with storyboards when visualizing an idea. Before a packed audience of fashion industry figures and students, Goude screened his new heartbeat film which he describes as a collection of influences interwoven with links to previous works and evolving ideas. “Basically, it’s about the body, movement and dance, something you will always find present in my work,” said Goude, just before the lights dimmed and the film commenced.

 

The creative process behind the iconic Grace Jones album cover

 

Indeed, the film included a multitude of dance references from ballet to Broadway to Vogueing to breakdance. This was intermixed with retrospective slices of Goude’s work including his iconic Grace Jones imagery to his Coco Chanel ads featuring Vanessa Paradis. Throughout a rhythmic percussion drove the film forward – like a heartbeat of a living soul.

 

CoCo Chanel perfume ad

 

Post film and Jean-Paul was more than happy to answer questions and discuss his career to date. When asked about his many black culture references he replied: “I was influenced by the neighbourhood where I was born and raised. There was a Museum of African Arts and Crafts, along with a zoo. I was fascinated by both, in fact now; I still have the same childish curiosity. I think many ideas and references from childhood evolve as you become an adult.” Growing up in France during the 50s Goude was also heavily influenced by his mother, a dancer, with an eclectic taste in music.

 

Graphic, striking, vibrant and strong, there is no mistaking his work. When asked why, post Grace Jones, he never returned to the fast edit world of music promos Goude answered: “After three years as her (Grace Jones) image maker, I was penniless and needed money. So when an advertising job came up I took it.” He mentioned that Grace could be rather “difficult” and that he had moved on from the experience and would rather work on other projects such as film.

 

Alaia ad

 

Still, I wouldn’t rule out music promos completely from Goude’s future ‘to do’ list. He mentioned his son is about to bring out a hip-hop album and he would be short-sighted not to utilize his father’s skills in creating a distinctive image.

 

Goude also talked about how his film is autobiographical: “I am the star of my own show,” he says. And while that might sound rather narcissistic Goude discusses his work in such a frank, humorous and honest way, you can’t help but warm to him. He mentions his own imperfections, that fact that he finds his body rather narrow in the shoulders and short in the legs: “Proportions are an obsession for me, my own imperfections drive forward my need for improvement,” says Goude.

 

Wrapping-up with a few words on what is next for Goude and his creative ideas he comments: “A longer version of the same book.”

 

“So Far So Goude” by Jean-Paul Goude, written with Patrick Mauries is published by Thames & Hudson.

 

About the book:

 

"So Far, So Goude" is the definitive collection of Jean-Paul Goude’s innovative and unorthodox work. More than 350 colour illustrations trace his life and career, including his time as art director at Esquire; his revolutionary work with Grace Jones on "Jungle Fever"; his advertising work for Chanel and Cacharel; and his role as director of 1989's Bicentennial Parade in Paris. This book will be interesting and inspirational to anyone interested in fashion, photography, design and advertising.

 

The talk and film preview took place at the Rootstein Hopkins Space, The London College of Fashion, 20 John Prince’s, London W1.

 

All images Jean-Paul Goude