Jean Paul Gaultier on How Madonna Got Him Into Cannes

Jean Paul Gaultier may be on this year's panel of judges for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, but there was a time when his avant-garde style kept him on the other side of the velvet rope. In a recent interview, the designer says it was only his friendship with Madonnathat helped him gain access to the various screenings and parties at Cannes.

"I have been refused at the Festival de Cannes," he said. "Yes! First time, I was in a tuxedo but with shorts. Black. And second time I was with a kilt with tuxedo. Refused again. But the third time, I came with Madonna — I was in bed with Madonna . . . she was like my passport, so I got through it."

Gaultier famously designed the cone-shaped bustiers Madonna wore on her 1990 Blond Ambition Tour, among other costumes. He was named to this year's panel of Cannes judges along with actors Diane Kruger and Ewan McGregor.