RAF SIMONS for CHRISTIAN DIOR
We all have big expectations for Raf Simons now that he's appointed as head designer for fashion house, Christian Dior. Raf Simons wasn't an obvious candidate to take over the place of the 'theatric' John Galliano as head designer. He's a minimalist, and is used to designing ready-to-wear and commercial clothes. He did a great job in maintaining the chic minimalist 'almost quiet' style of designer brand Jil Sander. It must be such a surprise for him to be chosen, and with massive stress upon him because his first task is to create a couture collection which is a different process from where he is used to. We all expected more for his couture Christian Dior Fall 2012 collection, but we were left disappointed maybe because we were used to seeing Christian Dior as very romantic, feminine and 'extravagant'. But I think it is a smart choice for him to distance his collection from those big settings, heavy make-ups, and exaggerated volumes and silhouettes that John Galliano introduced to us. Raf Simons is slowly learning to learn the aesthetics of Christian Dior with confidence in his own style of minimalism. His last collection (his Swan song) for Jill Sander can also be considered an entry collection for Christian Dior, for me it was his most romantic collection so far, it was actually more Dior than his recent collection for the house itself.
Who can forget this stylish coat from his last collection?
beautifully styled and amazing cut. This pink dress was also timeless:
he did another version of this dress for his first ever couture collection:
with a more structural bust shape and additional padding on the waist which is a Dior signature technique. Also the big pocket panels are added which are usually found on Dior Bar Jackets.
I think it is safe to say that Raf Simons take on Christian Dior is to make the house more youthful and more commercially appealing. He started to make long draped & peplum tops paired with cigarette pants
which are noticeably seen on Raf Simon's Christian Dior Spring RTW 2013 collection.
The Christian Dior Spring RTW 2013 collection started with black suits which I find really boring because it went repetitive for the next 4 looks. But this decision to start the show in minimal suites is quite a 'confident' approach because he is starting to be more firm on his aesthetic, meaning we must expect that Dior will be having minimalist direction for some time, and that we should openly welcome it.
dress like tops are paired with black shorts which is very spring-summer appropriate
I also like the pairing of unexpected colors for this collection. This photo doesnt do any justice for the amazing treatment on the fabric. The fabric was very vibrant and electric in motion, like it's surface design has it's own life.
he also went graphic in this collection with different takes on the A-shape silhouette.
long draped tops are also seen in this collection, now paired with shorts
another graphic take, using sequins. Interesting graphics which reminded me of some tropical fish, crystal layers and hot spots on weather forecasts.
flowers are very Dior and he tried to add some on his black padded jackets.
another floral print in the same silhouette seen on his last Jil Sander collection and on his first couture collection.
Raf Simon is introducing a new type of glamor not only for Christian Dior but also for the world. The modern de-stuffing of classic signatures of Dior felt young and relevant. The Bar Jacket is now easy to pair for different occasions, for anytime of the day. It is clear that Raf Simon will do good for the fashion house and what we should do now is to take it all in while the withdrawal of John Galliano's flare fade.