Glamour In Austerity ... Christian Dior FW2012

I can see the reflection of the current European economic crisis clearly in Bill Gaytten’s Fall/Winter 2012 ready-to-wear collection for Christian Dior.

Rather than expecting to a menagerie of flamboyant creations with quasi-couture detailing attention (circa John Galliano era) plus a bit of inevitable drama in tow, what fashionistas — or Dior loyal customers — get right now is a slew of wearable and sellable confections that would certainly keep the maison’s cash register ringing. 

To be honest, a glance at the working palette would immediately reminds me of the depressive Depression era, despite the silhouettes are elegant and soft.

I also sensed that Bill Gaytten must have turned to Dior’s extensive design archives for idea. Case in point: The peplumed tops, the pleated satin dress, and the belted jackets that were totally inspired by the original New Look. But like what most editors would say, classics sell. 

Moreover, at hard times like this, fashionistas, especially in the affected European countries, are likely to stick to the perpetually-favoured silhouettes and Gaytten’s classic-imbued collection certainly wins the case.

But in an overall, I would say that despite the demureness and austerity displayed in this collection, one can always feel the presence of true Dior woman spirit in it.

Christian Dior’s fall/winter 2012 collection will be available at all Christian Dior boutiques and selected mixed brand stores worldwide starting from the third quarter of the year onwards.

*Photos by Monica Feudi/Style.com

Christian Dior – G28, Indulge Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; Ground Floor, Isetan KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.