Dior Mixed Ballet and Fashion for Fall 2012

Paris Fashion Week is officially in full swing, and Dior decided to take on a different theme for its show this year. Normally, we see much more skin in shows, but Dior was focused on skirts with long hems and cinched waists. The skirts were fuller than we have seen in the past, and they were designed to resemble what a ballet dancer would wear. Even the shoes were modeled after ballet point shoes, just in a high-heel version.

The colors were very soft and natural, focusing on pinks and nudes. All of the skirts in the show were below the knee and full of panels, which gave them flair. For tops, we saw traditional jackets made from wool and belted at the waist. By using classic fabrics like cashmere, silk, and wool, this collection was nothing short of elegant. The contemporary style mixed with ballet inspiration was the perfect blend of classical and modern.


Text Caitlin Beck
Image Guardian.co.uk

A Look Ahead: Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week will take place from February 28 to March 7. The event is known for showing plenty of couture and vintage looks. Throughout the week, some of the biggest names in fashion will be showing off their new collections, so here is a rundown of the schedule.

On March 1, Nina Ricci will be on the runway along with Balenciaga. On March 2 and March 3, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Vivienne Westwood will all show their collections. The last four days in Paris are loaded with well-known and respected designers, including Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton.

What collections are you most excited to see?

Text Caitlin Beck
Image Fashionlatest.net

Spring Couture Is in Full Bloom

The spring 2012 couture runway shows only began on Monday, but, so far, they have stayed true to the season’s flora and fauna theme. Giambattista Valli used feminine petal accents in most ensembles. In the spirit of spring, dresses and jackets appeared to be sprouting flowers. Christian Dior’s show was filled with light dresses layered with embroidered floral patterns. Animal prints came into the mix, and zebra-printed tops were paired with ruffled skirts. To add contrast, Giambattista Valli and Christian Dior both incorporated slick, black crocodile-textured jackets to their runway looks.

Chanel’s couture show presented structured designs in all shades of watery blue colors. The models wore sky-high pompadour hairstyles paired with feathers, which reminded us of peacocks. Armani Privé’s abundance of green pieces and scaly patterns also made it clear that spring is just around the corner. At Alexis Mabille’s show, the models were in full bloom with painted faces and massive headpieces designed to look like fresh-cut flowers. If the rest of the week’s shows follow this trend, it’s going to be a very lush season.

Text Emily Thomas
Source and Image Style.com

Fashion Exhibitions On the Rise

Designers showcasing their impressive collections in museums is a growing trend. Alexander McQueen was an indicator of how popular fashion exhibitions have the potential to be, attracting 661,559 visitors and placing it in the top ten of the most visited exhibitions.

According to Pamela Goblin, chief curator of fashions and textiles at the Louvre, "There's a loyal following - besides the fact that fashion is fashionable ... there's something very intimate about clothes." 

Other fashion houses that have participated in showing their work in museums include Ralph Lauren, Max Mara, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Chanel. 

Jean Paul Gaultier showed his work in Texas, where the exhibition featured pieces from his collections over a 20-year time period. The exhibition was digitally innovative and included talking mannequins. 

When showing work in a museum, you can utilize space differently and include items such as sketches, inspirations, videos, and actual pieces from the collections, to give viewers a cohesive image. 

Text Quinn McBee

Source WWD

Top Designers Unite for UNICEF

Several of today's most prestigious fashion designers have come together in support of underprivileged children. Chanel, Jeal Paul Gaultier, Givenchy, and Christian Dior have agreed to contribute to the creation of designer dolls specifically for the benefit of the United Nations Children Fund, commonly known as UNICEF.

All of the proceeds from the dolls — named Les Frimousses (translation: little faces) — will be used to vaccinate children in Darfur. To date, 43% of children in Darfur who have been treated for severe acute malnutrition have received treatment directly as a result of UNICEF's efforts to maintain a significant humanitarian operation since the crisis began in 2003.

For nearly a decade, UNICEF has helped an incredible number of children and families by providing lifesaving actions and necessities. Now, these world-renowned fashion houses will increase UNICEF's efforts at their designer dolls' auction on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at the Drouot-Montaigne in Paris.

Text Brittney Schering
Image UNICEF

Pinball is Dior's New Black

Our industry is nothing but opulent. As a leader of the most extravagant, Dior has brought a new way of incorporating a little bit of fashion into our lives — with a pinball machine that plays with pearls. 

According to Dior, the game is supposed to "show, in a light and fun way, the richness and savoir faire of Dior." Mind you, the game is virtual, but the 3-D video alone creates a different take on the traditional Mise en Dior necklace, in a very glitzy and techy way. 

Until this dream becomes a reality, Dior has found a clever way to reinvent their typical advertisement.

Text Corinna Fabre
Source Dior

Let's Take Sides: The Deep Side Part

If this season has taught us anything, it's that prints are totally hot and deep side-parts are everything. From the ultra-sleek chignons at Thom Browne to the retro pinned tresses at Prada (pictured above), designers made their models runway-ready with dramatic side parts — and we have to say, we dig it! If you're looking to change up your 'do but don't want to do anything too drastic, try this simple and timeless style that we can't wait to steal from the runways.

"Little People" at the Christian Dior house prevail

As we are all told when we are younger, actions speak louder than words, sticks and stones may break our bones but words can never hurt us; in John Galliano’s respect these phrases will not save him here. Back in March, the CEO of Christian Dior announced the firing of Galliano for his untimely spewing of racist slurs. Although this happened months ago, recently it has been reported that the Christian Dior house is still on the hunt for a new house leader. It seems as though this will not be a simple to-do task that the Dior franchise has to face, much like was seen in replacing the late Alexander McQueen.
Critics had mixed reviews on Dior’s cartoon couture collection that walked the runway on July 4th in Paris. Again, there was much stipulation about not having a head designer. As it was clearly stated and seen, there was a tremendous difference in the couture lines without Galliano as the head of the house. Critics also have suggested speeding up the drawn out process of replacing Galliano. Dior’s CEO complied and said that they would only choose a designer of an advanced label when the time is right, or perhaps, when the right one comes along.

Paint it Red: Dior's Red Hot Nail Laquers

When you think of Dior surely the words "class" and "sophistication" come to mind. Well the iconic fashion house is once again redefining what being a classic beauty is all about with their latest set of red nail lacquers.

Inspired by three eras all relating to their past collections, the colors are the perfect shades of red that every lady should have in her cosmetics bag. The first hue, Trafaglar's Poppy, is a brilliantly bold, candy apple color that instantly ups your fab factor. Rouge Icone, is a sultry maroon that brings to mind the days of Hollywood's most iconic screen sirens. Lastly, Gruau is true blood in that is perfect for those evening's when you want to feel sexiest and most feminine.

Check out more of Dior's Nail Lacquers here!

Text Lauryn Stone

Source(s): Refinery29.com, Dior.com

IT'S THE END OF A FASHION ERA:BIG CHANGES FOR BIG NAMES!

Fashion month has been full of surprises, on every level for that matter.
You will need to pay careful attention to the following as it may be a little bit confusing; after Galliano's infamous incident in Paris, Dior started looking for his replacement. Ricardo Tisci was appointed to replace him at Dior, which raised the question on who to replace Tisci himself at Givenchy? Haider Ackermann was the answer as he replaced Tisci. Got that? Good, because it gets more confusing.
While the fashion industry barely recovering from the sudden changes, Vanessa Seward throws the bomb on her bidding farewell to Azzaro, and now the new guessing game begins on who to replace her!
I think it's safe to say that it's the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one, fashion-wise. Good luck to all designers at their new positions, for God knows they will need it with everybody watching their every step!

Text Farah Wael
Source Style.com

Tisci to take over at Dior?

While some people growl at the mention of Givenchy head Riccardo Tisci taking the reins at Dior, others find the geometric, hyperbolic designers a match made in heaven. Tisci has grounded his last few collections at Givenchy in flowing white with structural shoulders (taking a note from Japanese art) and his infamous skin tight translucent lace numbers that have instantly made it to the top of every fashionista's fantasy wedding list. Over at Dior, Galliano has winked at the past, situating his Spring collection in deep red ombre full skirts and dramatic poufs of feathers. The hair and make-up of the models only set the scene further, with giant lips, wavy pinned hair, and thin brows reminiscent of Marlene Dietrich.

So will the passing of the baton from one fantastical creator to another be a fresh breath at Dior or more of the same? Will we still see the dream-like Romanticism reserved for Givenchy or will it all be loud glamour from now on? Stay tuned for more...xoxo

Text Hannah Morris

the Line of Beauty

The eagerly awaited new exhibition on route for Londons Somerset House certainly does uphold their continuous commitment.  Showcasing the world’s most celebrated creative talents across fashion, art and design. As renowned fashion illustrator René Gruau moves in on the spotlight of fellow exhibitor of the moment at Somerset House Mathew Williamson, Gruau proves that there is more to the world fashion than beautiful clothes. A selection of sketches are presented which celebrate the life and work of René Gruau work (1909-2004), exhibiting some of the most iconic fashion images of the 20th century. The wondrous illustrations are full ofthe splendor of the the unruled and unimaginable world of fashion illustration. Gruau creates the unimagined experience through the beauty of the line and its way of representing fabric, line and silhouette is only what one could have imagined is the ultimate look of these clothes. With groundbreaking artworks including original illustrations of selection of Dior Haute Couture dresses, this exhibition will hopefully prove that not all clothes need to be worn to be adored, happening from the 10th of November.

By Katriona Flynn

Runway: Christian Dior Resort 2011

On May 15th, the Christian Dior Resort 2011 Collection walked in Shanghai, China. Aside from being the first time the fashion house presented a collection in Shanghai, the fashion house also celebrated the re-opening of the Dior store and the launch of their new fragrance, Escale a Shanghai. While one may assume John Galliano was influenced by the Far East, the designer took a different route, bringing the sixties bee-hives to China.

Ruffles were all the rage, whether tiered or strategically placed. In contrast to last season's bare all and lingerie philosophy, there was more coverage and believe it or not, 3/4 sleeved jackets and coverups. Another contrast? The emergence of pretty pastelle colors in hues of white, pink and lilac from neons of the eighties revival. This collection is definitely for the pretty pin-up girl at heart.

-Tamera Blair Darden

Platform on a Pedestal

Granted the height of the heel shortened for Fall 2010 compared to considerable and nonexistent heights in Fall 2009; however, the platform heel isn't going anywhere. With origins in Greek history, actors wore platforms for theatrics. In bold colors [see image of amazing Dior platform] and prints, the platform shoe can make the most casual outfit semi-dressy and sexy. How to pull off a sexy pair of platform heels without looking like you just came off the set of Pretty Woman ... ? Leave something to the imagination for starters. If you wear a pair of platforms, you can pair it with a pair of denim skinny jeans and an adorable feminine floral top. Another idea? Pair with a cute cut out feminine ruffled dress and try the feminine socks trend. Transition into the fall by wearing tights or leggings.

-Tamera Blair Darden

Dior: Spring '10 Couture

The Spring 2010 Couture shows are underway in Paris, and so far they are quite impressive. In particular, Dior's variety from equestriennes to fabulous ball gowns truly were inspiring. John Galliano out did himself with a gorgeously feminine collection presented on a backdrop of 3,000 over-sized pastel roses.

Impeccable riding gear including long skirts and dresses, jackets, gloves, and even crops opened the show. Frilly and veiled day wear in light pastels led into silken evening wear, but the true breathtaking moments of the collection are the ball gowns. They are so extravagant and beautiful, with crystals, bows, and full skirts, that I believe every girly girl will fantasize about parading them in front of their mirror.

-Erin O'Hara

Dior Goddess Fertility Shoes Offensive or Just Plain Stylish?

Last week French actress Marion Cotillard was spotted wearing Christian Dior shoes at the Bike in Style event in New York City. These weren't any Dior shoes though. These were $1600 Dior Goddess Fertility strappy sandals.

When these originally premiered the runway there was a slight buzz on if these shoes would be deemed offensive by anyone. You are, afterall, stepping on a Goddess.

No complaints have been made as of yet.Then again, if you can afford a pair of $1600 fertility sandals, I doubt anyone is going to tell you what to do.