They say good things come to those who wait, and Dior‘s couture offerings for Fall 2012 prove the adage. In what was possibly the most anticipated show of the season, newly-appointed creative director Raf Simons showed his very first collection for the brand against a blooming backdrop of flowers.
The result? A perfect marriage of Dior’s classic silhouettes, updated with Simons’ modern sensibilites. Cinched waists ballooned out into sculpted peplums and skirts, cascading down into the prim, ladylike hemlines popular when Dior debuted his “New Look” back in the 1940s.
Clean lines and architectural silhouettes brought Simons’ modernist point of view. Otherwise classicly-tailored dresses were updated with angular, sculpted hips. Evening gowns boasted luxe tie-dye treatments. Smart ankle-skimming pants buttressed blouses with soaring peplums.
Simons sent down a smattering of cotton candy textured ball gowns, all with blooming, exaggerated skirts.
Simons added embellishement with calculated restraint, always keeping the look clean, never overwhelming a gown or strapless blouse with to many sequins or too much beading.
It’s safe to say that this is a strong first showing from Raf Simons. While we’ve all witnessed his immense talent, it’s wonderful to see him translate his aesthetic to fit into the Dior cannon. Last season’s couture offerings designed by Bill Gaytten posessed the same sense of nostalgia for the old tenants of the brand, but Simons was able to successfully appeal to the contemporary set. My favorite looks have to be the floral-embellished strapless peplum top and that equally-ornamented creampuff ball gown.
What do you think?
~Jihan
photos: Vogue
July 3, 2012 4:51 pm
I love most of the pieces…the new director has done a good job
July 3, 2012 4:53 pm
I like…Looks like Paris Fashion week is off to a good start! This + Stephane Rolland and Versace are looking FIERCE!
July 3, 2012 6:29 pm
Hm… I think collection lacks details. True couture is not like this.
July 3, 2012 6:46 pm
Love the shoes…the rest – is ok. I mean, im sure its extremely luxe up close but this doesnt come close to Galliano does it? He knew how to put on a SHOW!
July 3, 2012 6:57 pm
I’m on the fence with this collection..
July 3, 2012 6:59 pm
Raf is wonderful designer no doubt but…. I guess I’m still longing for the days of Galliano.
Shoot me.
July 3, 2012 7:14 pm
meh, I like the shoes
July 4, 2012 9:28 am
I like the 1930s-50s inspiration that the designers used; however, the models ruin it for me. I don’t like the way they are styled and I blatantly don’t like the way they look. They should have chosen different girls and different makeup.
July 4, 2012 10:13 am
I’m not at all a fan of exaggerated 40′s-50′s retro but in Belgium we (well, I) are so proud of Raf Simons!
July 4, 2012 11:09 am
safe, definitely not a disappointment, but Raf played it safe. I miss the drama and the theatrics Galliano produced :’(
July 4, 2012 3:17 pm
Ill take most of these pieces……esp that red coat. My goodness that is what love looks like lol
July 4, 2012 9:24 pm
I love love love this!
July 4, 2012 11:28 pm
im on the fence with this entire collection。 hmmm。Ididnt
like the execution of many of the top portions of the dresses。 Looked
very immature in the sewing techniques。 I like some of the designs but the concept was boring.。。。Reminds me of how ppl slaughtered Kanye west in his first and second show， which i didnt 。This review and collection is Mehhhhh。Its another ‘almost’。way too safe！
July 5, 2012 1:27 pm
I really like this collection. The “safe” yet modern aspect is what im kinda liking the most about it. I see u Mr. Simons!