DIOR CRUISES TO SHANGHAI THIS HOLIDAY

JESSICA ALBA IN DAZZLING DIOR - ELLE DEC. 2010Santa's workshop has nothing on the Atelier elves at Christian Dior.   When things get busy at the North pole, that means holiday and resort collections are on the way to a designer boutique near you.  

This year the French power house that redefined the fashion industry over 60 years ago traveled to Shanghai, China to debut its Cruise Ready To Wear collection and celebrate the brilliant renovation of the Christian Dior Boutique.DIOR KNIT LACE DRESS - CRUISE 10/11  Ultra-Luxe Architect Peter Marino was the man behind the face-lift that doubled the size of this fashion destination. 

The mainstream press referred to the show as a Couture event - but it was so much more.   To celebrate this very special occasion, John Galliano sprinkled true Couture pieces within the Cruise collection show.   The mixing of the two collections had never been done before - and truly highlighted the incredible savoir-faire of Christian Dior Ready-To-Wear.   I can't think of another designer collection whose Ready-To-Wear gowns could share a stage with true Couture - and still shine!  Amazing!

ANDROGYNOUS CHIC - DIOR CRUISE 10/11The Cruise collection was inspired by two iconic symbols of French Culture that are flip sides of the same coin.   First, the ultimate blond bombshell who put St. Tropez on the map - Brigitte Bardot.  No woman has inspired more fashion designers since her larger than life debut on film in God Created Woman in 1956!   Bardot's gourmand attitude and vivacious curves and sex appeal captivated the world in film after film.   Who better to serve as muse for John Galliano to re-invent and rebirth the Dior Bar Jacket and iconic silhouettes from the priceless Dior archives.   Perfectly paired back to playful separates like cropped pants and stretch skirts - this was truly modern styling for a resort / holiday collection.   On the flip side and just as captivating - Galliano chose actress Jean Seberg for inspiration.   Seberg was the poster girl for the era of French Cinema known as "Nouvelle Vague" or New Wave of the 60's.   Seberg starred alongside bad boy - Jean-Paul Belmondo in  Jean-Luc Godard's -"Breathless".   Audiences were shocked to see Seberg's androgynous styling and short cropped hair.  (Mia Farrow wouldn't appear in Rosemary's Baby with a similar cut until 1968).   DIOR COUTURE - SPRING 2011

The strength of this cruise collection is that it highlights the iconic codes of the House of Dior and presents them as wonderful separates a modern woman can fold into her wardrobe.  A great way to revitalize pieces you already love, add in a new classic.  These are investment pieces and any Dior jacket, skirt, or dress you buy today - will be just as relevant 10 years from now.DIOR RTW CHIFFON GOWN - CRUISE 2010/11

Special Note:  If you are looking for a cocktail dress or gown for any event coming up this holiday season or for Spring 2011 - get yourself to a Dior boutique asap.   No other fashion house has a greater selection of cocktail and evening gowns.   Beyond Dior RTW?  You would have to go to Paris for actual Couture - That is a fact.  

The Cruise Collection is in Stores now - to locate a boutique near you - click - DIOR.