From Style Correspondent Elsa Klensch

PARIS (CNN) -- East meets West -- you've heard that note before. But when designer Jean Paul Gaultier uses it as a handle for his show, you can expect something different.

Gaultier admits he fell in love with the kimono. For spring and summer, he interprets it with wit and charm.

The designer layers kimonos under sweaters for day and then teams them with satin corsets for evening.

He uses transparent kimonos as cover-ups over swimsuits or slings an obi around the hips to emphasize the cut of a bikini.

Accessories also bow to the theme. Gaultier attaches kimono sleeves to gloves.

He sweeps up hair at the back to expose a sensuous neck. And Gaultier keeps everything off the ground with the highest platform shoes of the season.

He says colors are mixed. "I mean there is a lot of white, a lot of color -- acid and pastel and bright."

For evening, Gaultier says he likes sequins and stretchy tulle.

"There are quite a few prints all mixed together: stripes with flowers, with polka dots, with checks, and everything mixed together."

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