Spring Couture 2011: Christian Dior

Russian red served as the backdrop as the first three models took the Parisian stage Monday during Dior’s Spring Couture 2011 show. The looks lived up to the drama, with exaggerated skirts in the vibrant hue and black tulle ballooning below silk sheaths. There was an Eastern-European wartime glamour to the looks, which featured head-to-toe fur and billowing ballgowns.

Cocktail hats, which gave a nod to eras before, added an air of mystery to the show. One model in a blue floor-length evening gown (pictured above) wore a hat that mimicked a mask, covering her eyes.

It is couture, so cocktail and evening are expected; however, John Galliano also introduced separates in sexy, animated takes on retro classics. Pink pencil skirts were accessorized with white wrap belts, and cropped coats traded tweed for bright shades of chiffon.

image

Galliano had fun with his designs, playfully making a dress change color, adding feathers to a bodice or handpainting streaks of black down the skirt. The housedress of the ‘60s was taken from 0 to 60 in a second, with mounds of tulle adding a great deal of volume to a simple yellow frock. Classic styles were given a modern nod, with bubble hemlines and oodles of excess fabric.

image

The diverse collection proved that while many designers are downsizing when it comes to couture, some remain fueled by their passion for fashion.

Tagged in: fashion, spring, style, radar, christian dior, 2011, couture,

Fashion / Runway

Related Articles