A midsummer garden’s dream Christian Dior Couture S/S 2017
Diala Aschkar, Art Director at Orient Palms, France & Rana Bou Saada

A midsummer garden’s dream

Christian Dior Couture S/S 2017

In her first couture collection as Dior’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri takes a walk down mystical lane and invites us to explore an old forgotten garden. Throughout the journey, we luckily find ourselves in a fairy-tale aristocratic ball, organized by an enigmatic pagan society.

Bemused yet impressed, we contemplate the following 30 looks of seductive witches and young elves. Some highlight their surrealism with trendy tiaras; others emphasize their anonymity with stylish masks. But all of them invest in their makeup, hairdo and accessories to give Spring season a very phantasmagoric welcome party.

First, we stumble into modern descendants of Little red riding hood and Peau d’Âne. In addition to their love for the forest, they also have in common black mysterious hoods: the first is incorporated into the famous Bar jacket, the second into the velvet cape. The Navy color is a beautiful eye-catcher in the second dress.

  • The image shows a model walking down a runway in a whimsical, nature-inspired setting. The model is dressed in a chic black outfit featuring a fitted jacket with a hood and a long, flowing skirt. The backdrop is adorned with lush greenery and a canopy of hanging decorations, including ribbons and lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The audience is visible in the background, observing the fashion showcase. The overall scene exudes elegance and a sense of magic.
    “Esprit de Changement” - Black wool and satin tuxedo-style trouser suit, hooded Bar jacket. Swallow mask in crinoline.
  • The image features a model walking down a runway set in a lush outdoor environment. She wears a lavish black gown with a hood, showcasing a sophisticated and elegant style. The backdrop includes a beautifully decorated area with hanging lights and ribbons, creating a magical atmosphere. The audience is visible in the background, surrounded by greenery. The overall mood conveys a sense of enchantment and high fashion.
    “Daphnée” - Black velvet hooded cape, navy and black pleated dress.

Early on, we discover Dior’s beautiful and ambiguous masks. Although it is inspired from earth’s natural elements, it reflects a dark, out of this world impression.

The image features a model walking down a runway wearing an unusual headpiece that resembles the face of a fly, complete with large, transparent wings and antennae. The model has wavy hair and is dressed in a black outfit, with a serious expression as she showcases the avant-garde fashion design. The background is a blurred scene of lights and colors typical of a fashion show environment.

Carrying on with the supernatural feel, Chiuri reproduces tarot and astrological signs on these taffeta dresses, in what may be considered a fashionable tribute to Mr. Dior’s superstitious side. Another mythological sign can be found amongst the tarot motifs: the tree of life.

  • The image features a model walking down a runway in a beautiful outdoor setting. She is wearing an elegant, strapless gown that has a light, flowing fabric adorned with artistic prints, including images of birds and whimsical designs. Her hair is styled in soft, wavy curls, and she has a striking headpiece with long, sharp elements that resemble horns or antlers. The background is lush and green, decorated with hanging lights and ribbons, creating a magical, enchanting atmosphere. The audience can be seen seated in a blurred background, adding to the overall ambiance of the fashion show.
    “Tarot” - Ecru silk taffeta dress with hand-painted and embroidered tarot motifs. (1400 hours of work.) Tiara in feathers.
  • The image features a model walking down a runway surrounded by a lush, green setting. She is wearing an elegant dress that has a fitted black bodice and a flowing skirt adorned with intricate designs, including celestial motifs. The background is decorated with hanging elements like crystals or glass, creating a whimsical atmosphere. The scene is filled with spectators, all set against a backdrop of soft greenery. The overall mood is enchanting and sophisticated.
    “Constellations” - Black velvet and ecru taffeta ball gown, hand-painted and embroidered with astrological motifs. (1700 hours of work.)

Contrary to the rest of the collection, these dresses are extremely vivid, lively and contemporary: particularly with the Matelassé fabric of the red one (usually used for sportswear) and the asymmetric collar of the green one. The coat-dress fits well the natural set, as its folds reminds us of Spring leaves.

  • The image features a model walking down a runway adorned with lush greenery. She wears a striking red gown with a textured, quilted design. The dress has a strapless silhouette and flows elegantly to the ground. The setting is decorated with various hanging elements, including lights and ribbons, creating a whimsical atmosphere. The model's hairstyle appears simple, and she exudes confidence as she showcases the vibrant fashion piece.
    “Baiser rouge” - Dior red silk satin quilted dress. Tiara in feathers.
  • The image features a model walking on a runway set in a lush, natural environment. She is wearing a stunning, long-sleeved green dress that flows elegantly to the ground, showcasing pleats that add movement to the outfit. The backdrop includes a decorative arrangement of hanging ribbons and lights, creating a whimsical atmosphere. The audience is visible in the background, seated and observing the presentation, surrounded by greenery. The overall scene has a magical, enchanting feel.
    “Jardin baroque” - Spring green sunray-pleated wool crêpe coat dress with asymmetric collar.

From the aristocratic countryside, comes the ultimate fresh delegate of Spring. After 1900 hours of work, Spring spirit has been captured in the raffia’s palm trees material, the plants motifs and the flowers and corn crown.

The image features a model walking down a runway in a beautiful outdoor setting adorned with hanging lights and decorative elements. She is wearing a strapless dress embellished with colorful floral patterns, and the skirt has fringed details that add a whimsical touch. The background is lush and green, reminiscent of a garden party, with an audience visible in the distance. The model's hair is styled elegantly, and she contributes to the magical atmosphere of the scene.
“Essence d’Herbier” - Ecru fringe cocktail dress, floral raffia and thread embroidery derived from a Monsieur Dior original. (1900 hours of work.) Hedgerow headdress in silk flowers and corn.

With her pastel flowers crown and four-leaf clover embroidery, this ethereal elf is the lucky charm of the forest world! The almond green transparency and falling straps are a girly ingénue touch.

  • The image features a model walking down a runway set in a lush, natural environment. She is wearing a sheer, light green gown adorned with floral motifs, which flows elegantly as she moves. The dress has a strapless design and features slits, allowing for a delicate and ethereal look. The backdrop is filled with greenery and suspended floral decorations, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. The audience is visible in the background, adding to the ambiance of the event. The overall aesthetic conveys a sense of elegance and romance.
    “Tyche” - Almond green silk tulle dress sprinkled with four-leaf clover embroidery. Diorissimo bouquet in silk flowers.
  • The image features a model showcasing a unique hairstyle adorned with delicate flowers. She has soft, wavy hair and a gentle expression. Her outfit appears to be a light, elegant dress with floral embellishments, enhancing the ethereal quality of her look. The background is rich and textured, suggesting a vibrant, nature-inspired setting. Overall, the image conveys a whimsical and romantic aesthetic.

Straps keep on falling to secure the ingénue feel, but each in a unique way. The first dress is sprinkled with gold and has an undefined golden and bronze color. The second is adorned with a herbarium of red flowers, making it romantically melancholic.

  • The image features a model standing in a lush, garden-like setting, wearing an elegant, strapless gown that has a delicate, shimmering texture. The gown is an earthy shade with intricate embellishments, and it flows gracefully to the ground. Around the model, there are beautiful hanging decorations, including strings of lights and colorful ribbons, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. In the background, a blurred audience can be seen, further enhancing the sense of a fashion event or showcase. The overall aesthetic is magical and ethereal, resembling a fairytale scene.
    “Solstice d’Été” - Embroidery-sprinkled tulle bustier dress. (1600 hours of work.) Constellation crown in rose gold.
  • The image features a model walking on a natural, grassy runway surrounded by an enchanting setting. She wears an elegant, strapless gown adorned with colorful floral appliqués. The dress is flowing, with a sheer, ethereal quality that complements the lush, green environment. Above, there are decorative elements hanging from the trees, including ribbons and lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The audience can be seen in the background, adding to the ambiance of a fashion show in a woodland setting.
    “Mémoire d’Été” - Sage, cactus and olive green dégradé layered tulle dress with herbal-inspired poppy embroidery. Angry dragonfly.

The black feathers crown tied with a side ribbon announces a witchy feel. However, this is not your usual witch… Elegant and simple, her black dress beautifully highlights her bosom. She contrasts femininity and originality, with her fine strap on one shoulder and her knotted feathered bandeau on the other.

  • The image features a fashion model wearing a striking black gown with a flowing silhouette. The dress has an elegant design, characterized by intricate detailing and a layered skirt. The model's hair is styled with an artistic touch, featuring a prominent accessory, possibly a hat or bow. The background presents a lush green setting, adorned with hanging decorations that create a magical atmosphere. The audience can be seen seated in the background, adding to the ambiance of a fashion show. Overall, the scene captures a blend of elegance and nature.
    “Délicatesse Nocturne” - Black chiffon and point d’esprit sunray-pleated dress, pleated panels knotted at the shoulders. Feathered bandeau in cotton gauze.
  • The image features a model on a runway, showcasing a striking fashion look. She has wavy hair and is wearing a dark, elegant dress. Adorning her head is a dramatic feathered accessory, adding a bold touch to her appearance. Around her neck, she wears a unique necklace that complements the overall aesthetic. The background is filled with greenery and soft lighting, enhancing the atmosphere of the fashion show.

Innocent witches are real: they wear black dresses with fine straps… at least, these models do! Natural elements are mixed with witchy ones: black feathers, blackberries thorns and feathery stars. The second gown is covered with lily-of-the-valley flowers, with a nude color magically subdued within the black tulle.

  • The image features a model striking a pose in a stunning black gown adorned with intricate embellishments, which gives it a textured and ethereal appearance. The dress is strapless with a fitted bodice that flows into a full, voluminous skirt made of layers of tulle and detailed with dark floral elements. The setting appears to be an enchanting outdoor environment, with soft lighting created by hanging lights, and lush greenery in the background. The atmosphere feels magical and elegant, with an audience visible behind the model, adding to the sense of a glamorous fashion event. The model's hair is styled elegantly, further enhancing the overall sophisticated look.
    “Roncier de Mûres” - Black and soft pink ball gown, late-summer embroidery with blackberries and small feathered stars. Tiara in feathers.
  • The image features a model standing in a beautifully arranged outdoor setting. She is wearing an elegant off-the-shoulder gown made of delicate fabric, featuring a fitted bodice and a flowing, skirt with a darker overlay adorned with floral accents. The background is filled with lush greenery and a whimsical display of hanging lights and ribbons, creating a magical atmosphere. The soft lighting enhances the overall aesthetic, making it feel enchanting and dreamy.
    “Hymne aux Muguets” - Black point d’esprit and nude tulle bustier dress sprinkled with black lily-of-the-valley sprigs.

Rebellious yet innocent, this model celebrates Winter rather than Spring. She might be the supernatural Winter fairy, with her frozen tree crown, icy pastel color and “frosty” motifs.

  • The image features a model wearing a stunning, strapless gown made of soft, flowing fabric. The gown is a delicate shade of light pink and features intricate designs and embellishments. The model has a whimsical headpiece resembling branches or antlers, adding to the ethereal quality of the look. The setting is lush and nature-inspired, with greenery all around, and the background is adorned with hanging ribbons and soft lights, creating a magical atmosphere. It conveys a sense of fantasy and elegance, making it suitable for a high-fashion event or a runway show.
    “Souvenir d’Hiver” - Icy pastel dégradé tulle dress embroidered with winter symbols. Frozen tree fashioned from ostrich spines.
  • The image features a model walking on a runway, showcasing an artistic fashion look. She has long, flowing hair and is wearing a light, draped garment. On her head, she has a striking accessory resembling white branches or antlers, adding an ethereal touch. Around her neck, there's a large necklace made from what appears to be a butterfly-shaped piece, enhancing the nature-inspired theme of the look. The background suggests a whimsical, natural setting, contributing to the overall enchanting atmosphere of the scene.

Witches invent magic potions; Chiuri invents magic colors. A black point d’esprit tones down an antique rose tulle, creating a mauve dress. A similar layering yields a brown color, due to the salmon tulle. Both are adorned with pale flowers.

  • The image features a model walking down a runway surrounded by a lush, outdoor setting. She wears a delicate, flowing lavender gown that has thin straps and a flattering silhouette. The dress is adorned with subtle floral details, enhancing its elegance. Around her neck, she has a decorative necklace, possibly with a floral motif as well. The background is adorned with sparkling lights and hanging decorations, creating a magical atmosphere, while the audience is visible, observing the fashion show. The overall mood is enchanting and sophisticated.
    “Coré” - Dress in black point d’esprit over antique rose tulle, silky pansy herbal-inspired embroidery.
  • The image depicts a fashion runway scene set outdoors, featuring a model walking down a grassy path. She wears an elegant gown made of sheer fabric with a bodice adorned with intricate details and a flowing, layered skirt. The outfit is complemented by a decorative necklace and a striking headpiece with feathers. Above her, there are hanging decorations, possibly ribbons or lights, creating a whimsical atmosphere. In the background, an audience observes the show, set against a lush, green backdrop.
    “Sommeil des Fleurs” - Black point d’esprit over salmon pink tulle ball gown, herbal-inspired silk wild rose embroidery. Profile feather headdress.

A closer look at the second model reveals her elaborate accessories: two miniature stars on the inside corners of her eyes echo her hair’s color. She definitely belongs to the magical forest with her black feather crown and rose and ivory flowers’ necklace.

The image features a model showcasing a unique fashion look. Her hair is adorned with dramatic, elongated feathers that create a striking and artistic appearance. She wears a translucent, embellished top with a delicate floral necklace that complements her look. Her makeup is subtle, enhancing her natural features, and the background suggests a lush, nature-inspired setting, likely part of a fashion show or presentation.

A unique tribal woman wears her golden feather totem and lamé dress. Once again, colors are mixed, as gold is subdued by a layer of black tulle.

The image features a model walking on a runway in an outdoor setting adorned with hanging decorations. She is wearing a glamorous, metallic, floor-length gown with a fitted bodice and a flowing, tulle skirt. The dress has a deep V-neckline, and her hair is styled elegantly. The backdrop includes lush greenery and an audience sitting on the ground, surrounded by vibrant decorations suspended from above, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
“Éclair d’Or” - Pleated gold lamé dress veiled in black. Golden feather totem.

A Spring butterfly look-alike is what best describes this model. If her pleated dress and herbal embroideries do not convince you of her romantic superpowers, her light colors and flower crown will. The colorful crown and bold necklace (with a similar motif) add liveliness to the dreamy look.

  • The image depicts a model walking down a runway surrounded by a lush, natural setting adorned with soft lighting and greenery. She is wearing a delicate, pale pink gown made of tulle, featuring intricate floral detailing. The dress has long, sheer sleeves and a flowing skirt that adds an ethereal quality. The model's hair is styled elegantly, complemented by a colorful floral crown, enhancing the whimsical atmosphere of the scene. In the background, there are blurred figures seated, possibly an audience, creating a sense of an event or fashion show.
    “Brise de mémoires” - Sand-colored pleated tulle dress with spring-themed herbal-inspired embroidery. Fête Champêtre garland in silk flowers raffia & bees.
  • The image features a model on the runway showcasing a unique hairstyle adorned with an elaborate floral crown. The crown includes various colorful flowers, including reds, whites, and blues, combined with delicate greenery and accents like butterflies. The model has long, wavy hair and wears a sheer, floral-embellished outfit, complemented by a statement necklace with a floral design. The background suggests a lush, nature-inspired setting, enhancing the overall ethereal and romantic aesthetic of the look.

Flowers and pastel colors distinguish another look: with her flounced skirt and pink buster, this fairy is simply otherworldly.

The image features a model wearing an elegant, strapless gown made of layered ruffles in a soft, peachy hue. The gown has a delicate floral embellishment on the bodice. The setting appears to be an outdoor or garden-like venue, adorned with hanging lights and ribbons, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. In the background, groups of people are seated, adding to the sense of a special event, possibly a fashion show or a gala. The overall aesthetic is romantic and sophisticated.
“Labyrinthe de Fleurs” - Soft pink flounced tulle bustier dress, herbal-inspired old rose embroidery.

Blown by a cool autumnal breeze, the below lady unexpectedly arrives to our Spring ball! She carries with her various autumnal and natural symbols, such as gradient tulle of coral and peach, dead leaves crown and embroideries; and even a dragonfly-like necklace.

  • The image features a model wearing a stunning gown in shades of peach and coral. The dress has a flowing, ethereal design, with intricate floral or nature-inspired embellishments. The setting appears to be an outdoor fashion show or event, surrounded by greenery and softly lit by hanging lights. The background includes an audience, suggesting a lively atmosphere. The model's hair is adorned with a delicate, ornate headpiece that complements the gown, enhancing the enchanting theme of the scene.
    “Souvenir d’Automne” - Coral dégradé tulle cowl-neck ball gown embroidered with autumnal symbols. Hurricane of tulle leaves.
  • The image features a model walking the runway, adorned with an elaborate headpiece made of leafy elements that resemble autumn foliage. She has long, flowing hair and is wearing a simple yet elegant dress in a soft orange hue. Her jewelry includes a striking necklace with a butterfly design, adding to the whimsical feel of her appearance. The background suggests a lush and vibrant setting, likely part of a fashion show.

Chiuri experiments once again with colors and the result is mesmerizing: a nude fabric covered by a gradient tulle of navy to sky blue. The majestic ombré feathers tiara gives the model a proud peacock appearance, while the plissé dress and falling straps highlight her femininity.

The image features a model wearing an elaborate, strapless gown that has a flowing, layered design in shades of blue. The dress is intricately structured with ruffles and appears to have a whimsical, fairy-tale quality. The model's hair is styled dramatically, adorned with a large headpiece that resembles an intricate, artistic arrangement. The setting is lush and natural, with greenery and softly lit background elements, while an audience can be seen in the distance. The overall mood is ethereal and enchanting, emphasizing the elegance of the fashion.
“Après le déluge” - Navy to sky blue dégradé tulle bustier dress, Grand Bal embroidered straps. Tiara in ombré feathers.

At last, we understand that our mysterious forest is the Garden of Eden, an Impressionist painting of a garden, where the tempting snake contrasts with the scattered feathers drawing flowers motifs and reflecting youthful innocence.

  • The image features a model standing in a lush, outdoor setting adorned with hanging lights and ribbons. She wears a stunning, strapless gown made of a delicate, translucent fabric that appears to be embellished with various colors and textures, resembling petals or floral motifs. The dress flows gracefully, creating a whimsical appearance. The model's hair is styled elegantly, complemented by a floral crown. In the background, blurred figures of an audience can be seen, enjoying the presentation amidst the greenery.
    “Jardin Fleuri” - Sage green tulle bustier dress with Impressionist garden-effect feather embroidery. (2200 hours of work.) Herbacious fontange in silk flowers.
  • The image features a model walking on a runway, showcasing a unique fashion look. She has a floral headpiece adorned with delicate, light-colored flowers. Her makeup includes subtle, artistic features like dots on her cheeks. The model wears a dress with a soft pattern, and around her neck is a striking necklace that resembles a snake, adding an edgy contrast to her ethereal appearance. The background suggests a lush, nature-inspired setting, enhancing the overall theme of the look.