The Louvre – one of Paris’ greatest museums saw the much anticipated unveiling of Christian Dior SS 15. Creative director Raf Simons delivered a show that was a strikingly powerful take on the Dior brand, but also one that remained iconic and true.
An introduction of crisp white splashed on a sleeveless shirt with a roll-neck made its way down the runway complete with boyishly tailored trousers – a combination perfect for working hours. The shoes were unsurprisingly flat, monochrome and pointed, along with barely-there makeup and kempt, straight hair to finish the powerful look.
On trouser hems and shirt sleeves, dusty pinks and jet blacks made their appearance mixed with traditional Chinese floral prints giving the catwalk an oriental theme. Accessories were minimal – silver chained handbags complemented the models minimal ensembles.
A standout piece came next – a sleeveless dress with a round neckline and cut-out panelling across the waist, complete with a modern take on the traditional New Look silhouette, a billowing white skirt shape with ditsy floral detailing.
That same small monochrome print was then spotted on a mid-length dress that was belted at the waist. Dropped shoulders and added buttons down the front made this look feminine yet almost otherworldly.
This theme somewhat continued with three liquid-like trench coats in space greys and black metallic. It was Gothic but the powerful, professional edge was still apparent. The long, narrow sleeves and plunging neckline made the outfits contemporary – anything but a blast into the darker past.
Pastel blues suddenly made the minimal show seem sweet. A tweed jacket and miniskirt mixture was complimented with pointed ankle boots; this was 60s and 80s power-dressing combined – and somehow it worked, with a manly collar and revere with matching pockets.
Lastly, a square-neck sleeveless coat in royal blue graced the catwalk. The waist of the coat was tight and buttoned, the bottom half mid-length and flared – it was everything the New Look personifies.
A small collection yes, but a one that certainly conveyed what we all know as the iconic Dior brand. SS 15 seems prominently powerful.
