If you want to talk about flights of fancy and fantasy in fashion, look no further than the John Galliano's couture work for Christian Dior. He takes the famed New Look of the 50's and turns it on its head in some truly gorgeous ways. His Fall 07 collection tramps through timelines like a character from an H.G. Wells story. We see the 1940's and 1950's right alongside the 1770's.
The effect, overall, can be very costumey but at the same time it's incredibly artistic and the attention to detail is magnificent. The man knows how to put on a show, and everything, from the hats to the gloves to the makeup, hair and beyond, is specifically calculated to offset the dresses; creations that would not be out of line in a book of fairy tales.
These were my favorite pieces:
Gisele, rockin' a very 40's silhouette. Quite wearable and glam.
Her face and hat look cartoonish (in the most awesome way) and the dress shape, with the floral detailing and the black gloves, is just stunning. I love her pose. The whole effect is a visual party. Love it.
This is almost Victorian, but you know, on crack. It's fantastic that he doesn't have any fear where color is concerned. I don't know who could get away with really wearing this, but whoever she is, she'd be amazing.
An ode to Spain and dear lord, this stuff gets me every time. Stick a mantilla on a woman and I'm just in love. It's exaggerated, of course, and that's the point. It's just an amazing visual. Here's a slightly more conservative version, going the way of the matador:
The detailing on the dress is so beautiful. I love the red gloves and her little matador hat.
Possibly my favorite of the entire collection. The dress without the cape would be perfect on any red carpet, and if someone's brave enough to sport the whole outfit, I take off my matador hat to you. And speaking of matadors, isn't Galliano adorable?
Now there's someone I'd want to hang out with. All pics courtesy of Style.com which has the entire collection. It's worth your time as the Marie Antoinette dresses and the flower gowns are not included here in my post, and they deserve a few looks.
Next up on this crazy train: Jean Paul Gaultier!
