Galliano's Vogue ... Christian Dior SS09

As Muslim fashionistas in Malaysia and across the globe immerse themselves in the festive spirit of Eid, the fashion world attention goes straight to the Parisian catwalk. Yes, it is the start of the world’s most anticipated fashion week – Paris Fashion Week 2008.

Christian Dior, among labels that kick started the week, presented a spring collection deemed to be as its best in the last 10 years. As usual, the attention-grabbing show once again made everybody goes ‘wow’, plus lots of eagerness from the front up to back rows.

Indeed, John Galliano’s upcoming collection has never been disappointing at all, allowing everyone at the show to pull a deep breath of sigh and relief. Phew!!!

Harking back to the glorious 80’s (I know this is redundant but if you still don’t know, that is what current fashion state looks like), Galliano drew his references from celebrated French couturiers and designers of the Eighties namely Azzedine Alaïa, Thierry Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Away from his usual and world-famous eccentricity, the spring/summer 2009 collection could be considered as moderate and safe with yards of lush fabrics, either plain or printed, were liberally used in the making.

Like most fashion houses, sheer pieces take one half of the centre stage. Immaculately reincarnated in the forms of dresses and a couple of luxurious eveningwear, Galliano skillfully transform the silky soft and lucid chiffons into a hundred and one variations.

There’s one tiered with matte printed fabric atop one another (think of Lanvin’s fall/winter 08 grosgrain ribbon dresses), another gets a pleat treatment and matched with a peplumed bustier with halter strap in python print, and so much more.

On the colour ways, Galliano smartly mixed black, which is always the predominant hue in his collection, with an array of Day-Glo hues ranging from shocking pink to fluorescent orange! But as the theme (80’s) suggest and being part of Galliano’s tradition when it comes to ready-to-wear and accessories, animal prints are never forgotten.

Oozing that tribal chic mood, one can expect to a plethora of reptile prints as well as that timeless Giraffe spots on clothing, scandalous bags, and sexy shoes.

But it is always the end that would get everyone on their feet instantly - the parade of luscious, provocative, and sensuous evening gowns. Elevating the word ‘super sexy’ to another height, the evening round proves to be fit for a femme fatale.

Imposing classic corset like structure on the bodice with sheer elongated chiffon skirt draped around the waist, they will be the ultimate sellout for next season! Furthermore, Galliano also has omitted a little bit of that impeccably meticulous couture approach from the collection, thus making them comfortable and simple.

Christian Dior’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection will be available at all Dior boutiques and selected multi-brand retailers early next year.

*Photos by Alessandro Lucioni for Style.com/VOGUE

Christian Dior – Adorn Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 51100 Kuala Lumpur; Ground Floor, Isetan KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur; Passenger Level, Satellite A (International Departure), Kuala Lumpur International Airport.