It's A Poiret World ... Dior F/W 09 - 10

Some people say, at times when hitting the target is virtually impossible, it is best to stick to the old recipe rather than concocting a new but not ROI guaranteed ones.

Yes, it is true indeed. But somehow, going back and forth with the old recipe could sometimes make things look boring and tad unattractive. Since the last two years, I’ve noticed that John Galliano has been going back and forth using similar ideas and the same old recipes.

Retaining the classic cuts and silhouettes, plus some add ons in the form of inspiration and ideas taken from the collection archives, Galliano and his Dior design team, by far, have conceived another set of fall/winter looks that look a bit redundant but nevertheless, stylish in my personal point of view.

For appetizers, Galliano presented an array of outerwears and ensembles superfluously bedecked with furs and archetypal prints in monotonous black and white. As usual, adding contrariness into the looks is the signature makeup style inspired from the fashion illustrations done by legendary fashion designer Paul Poiret.

Frankly speaking, apart from reapplying the principles of Monsieur Dior’s “The New Look” (notable through the inevitable use of hats and peplumed tops), some of the designs conceived by the Dior team are inspired by Poiret’s creations.

As usual, what are Galliano and Dior without the application of couture-making techniques in their creations? Well, if you remember and missed the multi-tiered clothes that were part of Dior’s fall/winter 2007 collection, I am more than happy to tell you that they are back but sans the larger-than-life origami-inspired ornaments for details.

Less voluminous but absolutely avant-garde, the multi-tiered dresses reminds me of space suits with egg-shaped skirt and wide standing collars. Not to forget that it also looked a bit stiff. But the three dimensional effect sported by the dresses (available in black and red) is totally amazing and eye-catching.

More Poiret-inspired pieces were sashayed on stage to the fashionable lots, ranging from an array of soft and sheer chiffon dresses drenched in paisley prints to dazzling evening wears.

Hints of Asian or Middle Eastern style influences, along with rejuvenating colour palette (think mint, orange, aubergine, etc.) were present at the last batch of the collection, all highly adorned with traditional embellishments and embroideries or simply bedecked in Middle Eastern-styled jewelleries.

I bet the Arabian sheikh wives and daughters will be stampeding into Dior stores around the region to get their hands on the precious pieces once they see it.

Christian Dior’s fall/winter 2009 ready-to-wear and accessories collection will be available at all Dior stores and selected retailers early fall.

*Photos by Roberto Technio for GoRunway.com and Style.com.

Christian Dior – Adorn Floor, Starhill Gallery, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; Ground Floor, Isetan KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur; Passenger Level, Satellite A, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang, Selangor.