Christian Dior Couture AW 2014

Cutout detailing and lattice (photo courtesy of Style.com)

Since taking over as creative director in Spring 2012, Belgian designer Raf Simons has taken the great fashion atelier Christian Dior down a more pragmatic route than the previous John Galliano era of fantasy, splendour and luxury.

Simon’s pragmatic approach to couture

The collection was comprised of many pieces with cutwork detailing.  Many lattice-type pieces were attached to garments draped around models in modest silhouettes for Dior. Overlays of silk added veil-like effects to many of the garments, and sexy and feminine cutouts revealed various parts of the female physique. This season’s colour palette was quite neutral, with many pieces either solidly coloured or in white.

dior6Cutaway panelling reveals exposed body parts

Simons attempt to modernise couture could be seen in the styling, as couture garments were paired with flat trainers instead of the staple stiletto.  The use of sporty looking footwear over a heel is seemingly a trend this season, as trainers were spotted on the Schiaparelli and Chanel catwalk.

dior8From stiletto to flat … the new couture?
(Photo courtesy of never underdressed.com)

 The catwalk show was well attended by celebrities, notable faces included actresses Kate Bosworth, Leelee Sobieski, Allison Williams, and writers Miroslava Duma blogger Susie Bubble, to name a few.

by Cynthia Gregoire
Images courtesy of Style.com