Runway: Dior Haute Couture A/W 13/14

Image source: telegraph.co.uk

Dior’s Haute Couture show for A/W 13/14 had a whole lot going on, with Raf Simons drawing inspiration for the collection from “woman from different continents and cultures who wear couture.” These continents consist of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Before the show, Simons explained how the basis for the collection was centred around the idea of freedom, and most importantly freeing couture. This notion of couture being restrictive and only for special occasions is something Simons does not agree with; believing that “it can be approached the same way as ready-to-wear: out there for women to enjoy and to wear.” He went on to say “it’s a psychology of how clothes can look in relation to a modern woman and the way she is living her life and experiencing the culture.” (WWD.com)

With a strong focus on Parisian Chic, American sportiness, Asian architecture, and African decoration & Masai inspirations, the collection was eclectic and dynamic, if not slightly disjointed. A key aspect of the show was that sibori binding and drying technique that was applied to various garments, creating a spikey texture. Other standout pieces included architectural satin kimono coats, a shiny strapless dress featuring bands of tribal colours, a sleeveless floor length gown, embellished with all over Masai beading, and an ombre fringed dress with waist clinching belt.