50 Shades of Grey at Dior
“Christian Dior never set out to be a revolutionary. He wanted to be retrograde. He was looking to the more distant past, when Paris was the center of good taste, in order to restore beauty, femininity, and harmony, not to mention French pride, after the war,”
Dior's latest collection unmasked in Paris at the Hôtel des Invalides. Creative Director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, was inspired by Christian Dior's travels with a set that essentially replicated the world and its animals. Translating to travel wear, Dior's FW17/18 collection gave stunning attention to detail, with elegant leather belts and heart shaped bodices in delicate fabrics. Shades of gray with occasional bursts of colour, the collection was far from dull. Flowing tulle dresses carefully arranged with threaded embroidery and belted skirt suits gave a fluttering feminine ambience to the collection. Making traditional masculine fabrics, into soft, elegant, feminine silhouettes is the brilliance of Dior. The theme of travel invited unique and vibrant looks such as a coat with a patchwork of tarot cards, fine leather boots, and dark gray fedora's insured practicality with style. Silk velvet dresses and sheer chiffon and tulle sided with wool coats gave the impression of strong femininity. Long silhouettes with dramatic necklines were particular highlights of the show.
Following World War II, Christian Dior travelled to places in South America, California and Japan exhibiting his collections. A 1953 illustration by Albert Decaris showed Dior's travels. Inspired by this, the theme of maps, explorations and voyages was born. In his autobiography he says "a complete collection should address all types of women in all countries." Dior collections in the modern day and age have done just that. While Dior's image is steeped in tradition and haute couture, in reality it is speaking the language of practicality. This collection embodied the essence of the modern women and embraced an ever changing lifestyle where fluidity in clothing has become essential.