Christian Dior changes its face in couture day 1
Saturday, July 7th, 2012
The start of haute couture week in Paris is a must on any self-respecting fashionista’s calendar. But day one of the French capital’s fall-winter 2012 shows was different: It’s what’s called a fashion event. Monday was the debut of Christian Dior’s new designer Raf Simons — the first chance to see into the future of a storied powerhouse.
He is only their fifth designer since Christian Dior founded the company in 1946. The anticipation was evident in the front row turnout: a who’s who of influence, from Marc Jacobs to Donatella Versace, Pierre Cardin, Riccardo Tisci and Diane von Furstenberg. Ever since last year’s dismissal of John Galliano, the house has been looking for a new, stronger direction.
In Simons’ triumphant offering — which modernized the cinched waisted New Look — it would seem they’ve found it. One thing’s clear – Simons has done his homework. In the four months since being named creative director, he’s delved deep into the house’s archives. The result was a strong show in homage to Dior’s love of flowers, but never a servile one.
Dior’s been looking for fresh direction ever since Galliano was sacked last year for a drunken anti-Semitic tirade. Simons’ show proves that change is a good thing. Now, Dior could well give Louis Vuitton and Hermes a run for their money.
Haute couture is an artisan-based method of making clothes that dates back over 150 years. The highly expensive garments, shown in collections in Paris twice a year, are bought by a core group of no more than 100 rich women around the world. Other shows on a busy day included Giambattista Valli, who also channelled 1950s silhouettes in tulip and A-line silhouettes.
Meanwhile, Moroccan-born designer Bouchra Jarrar went back to haute couture’s artisanal roots to produce an accomplished show of femininity. Tuesday’s shows include Chanel and Armani Prive.
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