Old Masters

All the dish from the front row of John Galliano's Dior Couture show
Monday, January 26, 2009

(PARIS) "This is smaller than last year," lamented one attendee at Dior's Haute Couture Spring 2009 show. Another guest was more disappointed because of the absence of the French president Nicolas Sarkozy's flame: "We don't get Carla Bruni, we get Bernadette Chirac," she sighed, referring to the ex-president of France's wife in her front-row perch (John Galliano did use Bruni's music for the show's soundtrack, however, so the model-cum-singer-cum-first lady was certainly there in spirit). Things may have been different this season, but there was still something to celebrate as models turned into veritable tableaux vivants straight out of Flemish paintings. It certainly didn't disappoint front-row attendees, including Dita Von Teese, Kanye West, Mischa Barton (who ran in late), and Michelle Yeoh. "Dior couture is the most theatrical, the most opulent, the most inspiring, the most over-the-top," explained Von Teese, who is performing at Paris's renowned Crazy Horse for the next two weeks. "That's what I love about it." And while Von Teese is no stranger to the couture front row, she is interested to see what will happen this season. "I try to come whenever I can, but it feels like this will be the first time I'm here that it's more subdued," the petite dancer explained.

Though the crowd may have been smaller this season, editorial bigwigs Michael Roberts, Cathy Horyn, Suzy Menkes, Kate Betts, Hilary Alexander, Carine Roitfeld, Anna Piaggi, Anna Wintour, Vanessa Friedman, Franca Sozzani, Glenda Bailey, and Sally Singer all managed to make it, though the economic state of affairs was on everyone's minds. "I love couture because I love all the handiwork involved. It's an art form," explained Yeoh. "Even in times of recession, it shouldn't be forgotten." High fashion wasn't the only thing getting her into a party mood today. "It's Chinese New Year!" she smiled.

While the confections Galliano sent down the runway had many in their seats day-dreaming of a time when they could wear/afford them, others were already living their dreams. "I'm a showgirl, I'm coming to couture, I'm having tea at the George V," laughed Von Teese. "Being in Paris is a dream come true."
JENNIFER BARTON