Daily Front Row

2008 May 13

Christian Dior - Cruise 2009

Comments | | Print

Dior Cruise 2009
View Gallery

(NEW YORK) It was all swingy, exuberant retro glamour as John Galliano reinforced his love of over-the-top style as he presented Dior's cruise collection Monday night. What better way to kick off the season? 

Inspired by 1960s Acapulco and Florida--think Tony Duquette--the bright citrus hues looked particularly cheeky against the runway, which was erected as a faux swimming pool with the outline of the water redone using blue carpet. The caftans, palazzo pants, fluted skirts and embellished jackets nodded to the style of great American couture clients like Nan Kempner, Millicent Rogers, and Barbara Hutton. Forget the ladies who lunch--these ladies lounge. 

With such ladies filed in the front row along with Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Christina Aguilera, Charlize Theron, and Lauren Hutton, Guastavino's never had it so good. While classics by Aguilera and Lopez played alongside tracks from Madonna's new Hard Candy album, bejeweled models strutted out in a terrific lineup of printed and beaded designs. Keep an eye out for a few of the evening gowns to appear on the Cannes red carpet.

Pops of citrus, lime, magenta, and fuschia--splashed liberally on tunics, Capri pants, peplum jackets, peasant blouses--softened the scheme. Big and oversized with fabric fluted just so, clothes were light on embellishment, save a few looks paired with extravagant mink cardigans. Who loves the good life like Galliano? 

Forget the French beret; this is the season to show off that oversized sombrero. "I love carrying your own backdrop behind you," Galliano confessed. "Your own halo of color!"