Story by Corinia Williams

If an old western movie style barroom brawl had broken out at the Christian Dior Fall 2010 Ready-To-Wear show it would have been over the debauchery and lasciviousness of the brazen libertines on the catwalk.  In this show Mr. Galliano bounced themes off the rafters with his signature alchemy to create a flouncy, bouncy collection full of contradictions. Yet the collection which included touches of equestrian and eighteenth-century themes, laser cut leather, wisps of fur, ruffled chiffon gowns and sexy little georgette dresses was delightfully cohesive. Mid show perfectly modern looks were presented and among them were some spectacular plaid jackets that are sure to be seen on fashion editors this fall.

Making the boldest statement in the collection was the theme “what lies beneath.” With transparency only camouflaged by saucy ruffles the sheer fabrics reveled exquisitely detailed lingerie, showgirl stockings, masculine thigh-high boots, and oodles of flesh. Galliano magically makes ultra-feminine statements with every piece in the collection by subtly juxtaposing the softness of some fabrics with the sleekness of others. As always the accessories were an integral part of the each look and they added dimension, weight, and irreverence to the collection. For the Christian Dior Fall 2010 collection John Galliano’s deftly controls the contradictions of thematic inspirations to create a flirty and fresh mélange of decadence that overpoweringly sensual and ultra feminine.

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