Galliano Greatness: Dior Couture Fall 2005

It's no secret that I am a huge John Galliano fan. I think he is an amazing fashion designer with an imaginative creativity like no other. Despite his obvious 'fall from grace' he is still one of the best out there. One of my favourite collections Galliano created for Dior was the Fall 2006/7 Haute Couture show which pushed the fashion theatrical boundaries to the max. Opened by British model Erin O'Connor and featuring some of the most beautiful models ever, this show is just stunning and sums up the greatness of Galliano at Dior. Let me put it into perspective for you...

The setting is dark and eery with a thick layer of smoke covering the wide catwalk. Statues and shrubs are dotted along the runway like an overgrown garden belonging to an English stately home. A carriage rolls up (complete with real horses and a footman) and a little boy jumps out, followed by O'Connor herself wearing an Edwardian inspired outfit. Her huge hat, silk dress and dramatic make up create such an impact it's as though you're actually walking through a night garden with her. Following that powerful and haunting entrance, models parade elegantly down the runway wearing exquisite dresses decorated in jewels, applique and lace details while all playing the character of the rich, aristocratic woman of old. Linda Evagalista and Eva Herzogova take a turn wearing beautiful dresses as ballet dancers prance along wearing electorate tutus and a mask of make up.

Not only is the atmosphere incredible, the clothes have meaning and heritage running through them. The famous dresses from this collection are instantly recognizable as they look as though they are still incomplete on a mannequin with pieces of thread hanging from waists and pins still stuck between the fabrics. White chalk lines draw out the female figure on the material, similar to how Christian Dior himself would have designed his couture dresses. The words 'Dior couture' are printed along the tummy, a clever use of showing off the iconic fashion logo embedded in the fashion house while tulle and netting are carelessly draped around the bust and hip areas. In this way, Galliano portrays beautifully the Haute Couture process which has the whole audience clapping widely on their feet at the end of the show. And why wouldn't you?

These clothes however are not practical... you wouldn't go to Tesco wearing something like this! But it's a fantasy, an unrealistic one at that. These pieces look as though they should be displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, not shown as sell able clothes on a 21st century catwalk. Galliano always did couture very well. It was his thing, his trademark - basically a way for him to show off his design talents. That's why I wanted to highlight this particular show and share with you the beauty of high end, jaw dropping amazing fashion...