It looks like the dark side of the moon for Christian Dior without the troubled genius of John Galliano.
John Galliano's longtime assistant Bill Gaytten took over the design for Dior for the Fall 2011 collection. I have heard the reference was architectural shapes but some of the gowns looked like the models had been dipped in glue and a strong wind blew every single piece of Ladurée colored silk in Paris onto the gowns. The pressure must have been incredible on Mr. Gaytten and perhaps the pressure to perform with all the world watching was too much.
As an owner of a vintage store, I always see buying, not just for the store, but also for myself through somewhat strict eyes: if it is expensive, is it a keeper? Is it a good investment, will I want to give it to my daughter, go through the work and time of caring for it? A few of the caftan dresses were pretty and showed potential but I am not certain I saw any collector pieces here.
Dior has only had five designers: Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferre and John Galliano. And those Roger Vivier for Christian Dior shoes may be small but they are mighty. It has to be someone with the talent of a Marc Jacobs (or a Giambattista Valli) to bring a strong vision to the couture, ready-to-wear and accessories. Sidney Toledano and Bernard Arnault need a rare talent to bring something fresh to the venerable house of Dior. Not costumes for the opera Pagliacci.
Photos from Style.com
