(PARIS) Christian Dior Couture
Raf Simons continues to prove his loyalty to the DNA of Christian Dior with today’s Couture showing, paying homage to the staples of the legendary fashion house with his own stamp on the classics. The seemingly somber Fall 2013 Couture collection, which at times mimicked the perpetual dreary status of the Parisian climate, was shown on a backdrop of plush grey carpet in the Hôtel des Invalides. The Dior woman is a bit sultry this season, forgoing neon brights and embracing dark hues and sexy, sheer fabrics. She’s comfortable enough to show a bit of skin, but only in a tasteful way apropos of a couture client. Take, for example, the charcoal skirt slit up to there, or perhaps the cobalt dress with an asymmetrical, plunging neckline that’s (somehow!) anything but tawdry.
Another haute topic: texture. Rich, brilliant takes on 3-D design took to the catwalk, thus bringing this collection to life via fur, fringe, sequins, pleats and beyond. The lot of it was offset by simple slicked back hair and minimal make up. Of note: A strapless dress that looked more prickly than a cacti, done in a the hues of a watermelon. The result? A modern couture masterpiece. Meanwhile, an updated take on the fishtail dress exploded with woven stripes just below the knee. The plethora of sheer, patterned dresses were nipped in at the waist with severe belts, revealing only a pair of high-waisted briefs. Perhaps we’ll see a few tapis rouge cameos of such looks during the awards show circuit, perhaps modestly altered with slip dresses beneath. Speaking of step-and-repeat’s high season, a few Dior dame predictions: Sharon Stone would, without a doubt, feel comfortable in the black swingy silk dress with sheer cutouts, and Natalie Portman would be apt to wear the tank dress embellished with hundreds of round appliques. But what will Jennifer Lawrence wear to the Oscars? It’s a close call between a red gown with faux sweetheart neckline, and that emerald green structured gown. Here’s to hoping she chooses the former…