Ariana Grande Got Permission to Use Jean Paul Gaultier Image

Ariana Grande's gotten a lot of heat for allegedly ripping off a scene in her new music video from a '90s ad campaign ... but we've learned she did it all by the books.

Ariana's "God is a Woman" dropped last week and was immediately attacked by critics who noticed similarities between the video and an ad by Jean Paul Gaultier from 1993.

Sources close to Ariana tell us the scene was absolutely inspired by JPS ... however, it wasn't art theft -- it was an homage to the designer. We're told Ariana's team reached out and obtained permission to use the concept -- and for what it's worth -- we've seen the proof.

"God is a Woman" is the latest single from Grande's album, "Sweetener," set to drop next month.