dior couture fall 2015

For Raf Simons, haute couture at Dior was always about modern relevance. While previous couture collections were modern designs inspired by the current age, Couture 2015 was modern designs inspired by past, present and future eras. Starting off Paris Couture Week he presented a brilliant collection, featuring a modern twist on looks from both previous centuries and Dior archives, and infusing them with the grandeur that could only come with haute couture. Residence of past Dior collections, the Parisian gardens of the Musée Rodin were transformed into a silvery spaceship this season, covered with the most delicate white orchids reminisce of Fall 2012, while swishing white doors lining the grounds opened up to reveal an army of models catwalking from all directions.

The couture offerings this season once again took on Simons' signature stream-lined silhouettes, pretty fleur references Dior has become famous for and quirky-chic touches.The collection was era-hopping in so many ways : starting from embroidered Marie Antoinette-esque frock coats over tailored pants to dazzling astronaut spacesuits, to luxurious Edwardian furs and sweeping gowns then forward to the modern working woman's pantsuit. And who could forget the famous Bar Jacket, which was given an exaggerated peplum in cream and navy over a selection of elegant chiffon soiree dresses.

And like any Dior couture collection, there were gowns {with college-esque pockets of course} : voluminous, luxurious, impossibly beautiful works of haute couture by Simons' atelier that undoubtedly brought out the princess in everyone. Strikingly icy pastels set an aristocratic tone to the pieces – baby blue to hydrangea green, cream and pale blush. These hues would mostly look out of place on the high street, but in Dior's ornate setting they were just right at home. 

Embroidered emblems added pops of colour to the monochrome looks, while rich sumptuous furs trimmed the lush jacquard coats. These touches were refreshing especially in a sea of couturiers competing for who has more pearls/beads/embroidery per inch of fabric, the craftmanship being alluringly restrained — subtle fleur accents on stunning white gowns, frocks embellished with intricate high-tech resin, and outerwear bedecked with embroidery that was exquisite without being overbearing.

I've always loved Dior, and when Raf Simons took over as creative director he has never stopped pushing the boundaries of couture and challenging our notion of it, bringing a breath of fresh air into the art by continually introducing items previously only found in prêt-à-porter : pants, jackets and even knee-length skirts, all this without sacrificing a painstaking attention to detail and the ethereal elegance exclusive to haute couture. Couture 2015 has once again proved the timeless appeal of his contemporary approach, and this combined with a dream cast of top models wearing couture fit for modern-day royalty, definitely makes for an unforgettable show in the Paris Haute Couture Week calendar.

What do you think of this collection?

Images from one, two