Dior Couture Autumn/Winter 2017-2018, marking the maison’s 70th anniversary, was artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri’s way to honor all the designers who have shaped the history of the French House.
The women’s collection featured 66 looks which were presented in an open-air paradise, against the backdrop of Les Invalides’ dome. These pieces, an homage to the female explorers across the world, reflect what Monsieur Dior said on his autobiography, that “a complete collection should address all types of women in all countries”. With an astonishing appliqué of Dior universe—fabric, pleat, silhouette, and embroidery—each piece was a symbol of the juxtaposition of the past and the present, with one constant: severity that comes through grey hues, as Monsieur Dior said it is “the most convenient, useful and elegant natural color”.
Inspired by the character of Christian Dior, who used to instill a touch of masculinity into Dior’s elegant collection, Chiuri has successfully thrown a parade of emancipated female explorers. The silhouettes speak certain languages: classic, couture and traditional, while the range of circle cut coats, fitted shirts and dresses down the runway, with cinched at the waist, pleated skirts in sculpted grisaglia and tunics in austere velvet compose such a symphony. Geometric embellishments, layers of tulle, dimensional flowers, and whimsical embroideries are broken up with delicate whiffs of exoticism from Cuba, Iran, and Martinique. It was a true exploration of the cultures, traditions, and colors that Monsieur Dior used in his aesthetic studies.
CLOCKWISE: Camille Rowe, Celine Dion, Carine Lau, Jennifer Lawrence, Laetitia Casta, & Robert Pattinson
The outdoor couture show saw an array of global luminaries, including Jennifer Lawrence and Celine Dion. Lawrence sported a chunky black-and-white cardigan over her white lace dress, accessorized with quirky boxer-style Dior high-tops, while Dion was spotted donning a belted mustard leather shirtdress. Camille Rowe-Pourcheresse attended the show with embroidered Dior pants paired with a pair of leather flip-flops, and Robert Pattinson caught the eyes with striped blazer and shirt combo.
PHOTO: Christian Dior
