I think Olivier has already locked that job up a long time ago.
Please correct me if I'm wrong - did Gaultier ever express the intent to find his replacement? Again, Olivier proved seasons ago he is perfect for JPG. I would've stopped the search then. That perfume bottle look is the most famous piece that has come out of this endeavor...
AFAIK JPG is doing this to connect with a younger audience. JPG is AFAIK not pressed at all for HC clients so I wonder if any of this stuff is being made since - of course - I want an iconic JPG piece from 2004 - not a dress from Simone (it was a lovely collection though)....