Confidence having risen after attending the Christian Lacroix show, this blogger attempted to get into the Raf Simons show...and did.
With all of the hype surrounding Simons as the new artistic director of Dior, this was definitely a show to see. Located in an industrial space on Rue de Lappe, the show's setting was edgy and gave off a feeling of great importance. The strong white and black interior had seating on two levels. Once it began, each model's trajectory started on the balcony level and then moved down to the main floor where intricate choreography allowed the models to avoid running into each other.
If anything, this show demonstrated the genius of Simons when it comes to taking a classic piece and making it new again. With eyelet-detailed jackets, striking prints that you would not expect to see on a man, and a colorful use of shirt facing, this show produced one marvel after another. Overall, it had a grungy yet playful schoolboy vibe that was even present in the models' hairstyles.
Based on what I saw here, I believe that Simons will take Dior in a new direction, but definitely live up to its legacy. And because fashion is all about the look, some photographs for your knowledge and entertainment (click to enlarge):
A view of the space as the first model traveled along the balcony.
The collars on the button-downs and the cut of the suit jackets were two of my favorite aspects of the collection. Also, note the hair here.
A definitive view of that schoolboy vibe.
Note the blue facing in certain sections of the shirt.
An eyelet style jacket.
A print I would never imagine seeing on a man...but it works here.
This coat was the piece de resistance of the collection. While not fully evident here, the back involved a floral printed fabric that appeared to be pleated. The contrast of the two sides stuck in my mind well after the show was over.
A shot of the final line-up. Note the use of (more feminine) color.
(All photographs by Kristen Friberger)
