The fashion world at large has been anxiously awaiting Raf Simons‘s first Ready-to-Wear collection for Dior. Besides Hedi Slimane‘s debut collection for Yves Saint Laurent (or rather, Saint Laurent Paris), this was the most anticipated show of the week. Simons’s first couture offerings for the label were greeted with glowing reviews this summer, and everyone was dying to see his vision for Ready-to-Wear.
The show started with a slew of suiting separates– pencil sharp ankle-skimming trousers and suit jackets nipped at the waist, all in the season’s color of choice– black. But things soon took a flirty, feminine turn with draped, bubble-hem tunics, dresses, and skirts made from bright, iridescent candy-wrapper material.
Bright, asymmetric tunics and dresses boasted billowing swaths of fabric. Another series of tailored suit jackets with swingy skirts brought the collection full circle.
The show ended with a few obligatory Dior “New Look” silhouette dresses, with sleek black tops and full blooming skirts, appropriately printed with rosebuds.
Overall, this was a strong showing for Simons. The designer took a step away from his minimalist tendencies and served up something a little more cheeky. Still, there was an air of ladylike restraint, and I was hoping these offerings would have a little more of that unbridled joy we used to see when Galliano was at the helm of Dior. However, there will certainly be no shortage of starlets clamoring to rock these pieces. I can see Kerry Washington in that black-and-navy tulle gown accepting an award for her work on Scandal.
What do you think?
~Jihan
September 28, 2012 5:45 pm
Not a fan, I liked his couture collection a lot more than this one.
I really miss the show days of Galliano and McQueen. Le Sigh.
September 28, 2012 6:09 pm
Pretty amazing… looks like electricity
September 28, 2012 7:53 pm
I kinda like this collection. My favorite is the yellow top with the draping at the back.
September 28, 2012 9:21 pm
Uninspiring. He needs a do over. This is not a good interpretation of the Dior brand. Looks like Prada 03 ( the floral skirts) and all the neon stuff that was flung on us this summer
September 29, 2012 10:58 am
J’adore Dior but this was wack! Back to the drawing board monsieur! The only thing I like was the orange and black shoes.
October 1, 2012 3:50 am
This collection is just a negation of Christian Dior’s DNA and the amazing job that Galliano did for the house. The silhouettes are depressingly dull, the choice of fabric is appalling, some hems are just rough… and not in a good way. This is just yet another Raf Simons half-arsed minimalist collection, using codes that aren’t even fresh and edgy within the realm of artsy-fartsy minimalist designers. Bring back the joy, bring back the flamboyance… bring Simons and Gaytten to Place de la Concorde!
October 1, 2012 10:47 am
Adored it!!! I think he did an excellent job of marrying his minimalistic approach with the legacy of Dior. Well done!
October 1, 2012 11:18 am
NOPE
October 3, 2012 10:59 am
Some pieces might be cool but this isn’t Dior, beyond disappointing…
January 8, 2013 3:04 pm
Disappointing!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 8, 2013 3:07 pm
Only some of the long skirts with the black top are the \\\\\\\\\Dior///////.