Summer 2015 I found myself in an identity crisis. I had no idea what direction I wanted to go with my life, things that previously interested me became contrived and trite. I hadn't quite found my niche. One day, however, as cliche as it sounds I was scrolling on my Tumblr dashboard only to come across the Dior Cruise 2016 Collection. I had a great admiration for fashion prior, yet I really did not know much about it in depth. The extent of my knowledge of high fashion was Chanel, Vogue, and Kate Moss. However, when I saw this collection I became enthralled and totally consumed with the world of fashion, thus catalyzing the start of my ever growing obsession.
The first thing to have caught my eye about Dior Cruise 2016 had to be the setting. The South of France and a magical pink house were simply enamoring. Pierre Cardin's "Le Palais Bulles" is the perfect stage for this particular show. The openness of the palace's circular windows and rose hued exterior perfectly emulate the lightness and femininity of the collection. The open layout flows with the collection, as the circulating breeze enhances the dreamy dresses and flowing silhouettes. However, the overall structure balances the structured pieces, from the pointed shoes, to the staple Dior bar jacket.
Of course, it was truly the clothes of the Dior Cruise Collection that made me invested in discovering more about fashion. The stunning textiles, colors, and architecture served as a perfect paragon of what high fashion is. Although it is Ready To Wear, it still is equally appreciable in its incredible structure and innovation. This collection mixed heavy structure and lightness brilliantly. It employed textures that appear heavy, like plaids, and incorporated them into airy designs.
When I first saw this collection I thought that I would love to wear every single piece from this collection, thus realizing that that idea is key in establishing one's tastes in determining whether a collection is "good or bad". After falling in love with this collection, my curiosity begged me to delve deeper into the archives of Dior. In particular, I was drawn to the eras of John Galliano and Raf Simons (who designed Cruise 2016). Galliano's art of couture vastly contrasted Raf's more minimalist approach. Even they both worked for the same house and tried to keep embody of Christian Dior, they interpreted his initial message in totally different ways, incorporating their signature styles.
I realized I loved the subjectivity of fashion and its diversity. I felt empowered by being able to deduce and share my own opinions via the internet. Whether it was raving over Raf's latest collection or griping over the pedestrian Balmain collection, I felt validated and understood. If individuals do not agree on the strength of a particular collection, people do not bring each other down, as everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Through fashion, I was able to bond with people who shared the same opinions as me, and discuss differing ones. Additionally, fashion is continuously evolving, which always keeps me intrigued, waiting for what's to come. Now, I anxiously wait for each new season in hopes that it will be able to top the last. That spark that ignited this passion in my mind has honestly (once again with another cliche) has changed my life. Prior to fashion, I thought that I had no artistic passion whatsoever, that I was completely left-brained. With fashion I feel purpose, and I finally found my niche that I had been so deprived of.
Photo Credits:
Person, and Tim Blanks. "Christian Dior Resort 2016 Collection." Vogue. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2016
"CRUISE 2016 SHOW / Ready-to-wear / Woman / Dior Official Website." CRUISE 2016 SHOW / Ready-to-wear / Woman / Dior Official Website. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2016.