And so begins the much buzzed about Paris Haute Couture shows…
The stand-out of the first half of the day was without a doubt John Galliano’s Christian Dior Spring-Summer Haute Couture 2009 show.
The designer played beautifully with proportions, often pitting fitted bodice against structured, but bellowed bottoms. Galliano himself even embraced the silhouettes when he came out at the end of the show with a mane of black tulle on his left shoulder which carefully offset his trim vest and pants.
The gowns and dresses presented by the British designer were wonderfully sculpted with what appeared to be a 17th century influence given the play on volume, elaborate hats, wide collars, lace and sheer detailing, and almost painterly floral and beating accents. Further as has been the case with his past couture shows, one can always count on Galliano to deliver drama when it comes to hair, makeup, and footwear (which included overly lacy sandals with circular swirl touches on the heels).
DIOR
MARCHESA
Of course, one cannot compare the craftsmanship and detail of the two, but there seemed to be a similar feel to many of the pieces. Even some of the Dior floral detailing struck me as reminiscent of Marchesa’s prints from their Spring collection (though Marchesa’s were more oriental-inspired).
That said, whether or not Galliano and his team were inspired by Marchesa, the collection takes Galliano’s work for Christian Dior Couture to a new level of stunning refinement.
Images courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.
