Gaultier on tour with Madonna

Jean Paul Gaultier will be on tour with Madonna. Not in the literal sense, rather she will be wearing his intricate and sexy designs on stage, just as she did sixteen years ago during the Blonde Ambition tour.

Madonna's "Confessions" tour, which starts in America next week before heading to Europe, will see the queen of self transformation take to the stage in looks that range from kinky equestrian and haute harem to what might be described as Biblical chic - an off-the-shoulder blouse and velvet cropped pants accessorized with a crown of thorns. Also, in keeping with the disco flavor of her latest album, there will be a flaring white pantsuit à la "Saturday Night Fever" and a sparkly pink jumpsuit.

Gaultier gave WWD a preview of the costumes for a show that is meant to "turn the world into one big dance floor." Hardly a stranger to the stage, and one of the most physical performers in pop, Madonna had strong opinions about how the clothes had to be made to withstand the demands of the choreography. She said no to magnetic or button-style closures, insisting on plastic snaps. Sleeve linings had to be slippery to be easily peeled off sweaty arms. And her hats, some sprouting heavy horsehair, are secured with a complex system of elastics.

Gaultier, according to WWD, is looking forward to checking out several stops of the tour, which comes to Europe in August and September.