Christian Dior Autumn/Winter Haute Couture 2015

all photos from style.com

Dior's Autumn/Winter Haute Couture show first caught my attention on Instagram because of the amazing set. The structure resembles a type of greenhouse with pointillist panels suspended over a runway of purple astro turf. The collection reflects on historical moments in art by referencing impressionism, pointillism and the work of the Flemish masters. The exaggerated fur sleeves on the over sized coats references the famous painting by Titan while the white silk dresses reflect the focus on female purity by Dutch artists like Vermeer. The collection often sways between purity and sexuality. Dresses are cut with deep v necks and side slits that are held together by gold chains - which reminds me of the dress worn by Veruschka in Blow Up. Coats are lightly held together to create the impression of concealment and the virginal quality of the long dresses is thrown off balance by the injection of bright red, leather and velvet. The collection also makes a dramatic contrast between lightness and weight. White silk dresses are offset by chain mail and over sized coats are worn over flared trousers. I think the contrast between conservatism and sensuality makes this collection feel modern and dynamic.   

photo by Pierre Debusscher