The luxury fashion boom is alive and well in New York City where Christian Dior unveiled its latest "cruise" collection last night.
Opting to show its new offering on a catwalk in the city's cool Brooklyn district, the quintessentially Parisian fashion house bypassed the French fashion capital - and the conservatism that comes with it - in favour of its laid back American counterpart.
But no expense had been spared to stage this production. Over 800 guests, flown in by the brand from across the globe, arrived at the Brooklyn venue on a fleet of yellow Dior branded ferries. They sipped champagne by the banks of the East River before taking their seats to watch as the latest collection of Dior's artistic director Raf Simons was unveiled.
They were joined by army of A-listers who also made the picturesque journey from Manhattan to Brooklyn for the occasion. Among them was Marion Cotillard and Rihanna who was unveiled as a source in inspiration for the designer.
Dior Cruise 2015 Show - in pictures
"The pop culture, the energy, the fluidity... America is a constant inspiration for me," said Simons before the show.
The clothes on offer ached with a modernity which seemed utterly at home against the backdrop of the New York skyline . A deconstructed silhouette, described by Simons as a "new form" for Dior, was among the show's freshest inclusions. Cut from fine silk and nearly-sheer taffeta, dresses in the shape came printed with abstract graphics and cleverly draped panels. Simons continued to toy with his new shape through high-waisted skirts in punchy shades which were worn layered with silk shirts.
During his three year tenure at Dior, Simons has demonstrated his skill as a masterful designer who has the skills to endure new path for the fashion institution whilst carefully respecting its rich heritage. And with this collection, he has achieved that, merging Christian Dior's love affair with 1940s America with his own affection for the country Dior once described as "energetic and full of life".
Among the collection's highlights was a fresh take on the brand's bar jacket. Reinterpreted for today's affluent fashion customer with a loser and perhaps less intimidating silhouette, the tailoring looked set to delight those who look to a "cruise" or mid season collections like this one to meet the practical demands of their wardrobe. A series of cocktail gowns, draped tcelebrate the waistline and suitable for a host of social occasions, fulfilled a similar function.
Next season should be plain sailing for Christian Dior.
