Post-War Wanderlust

All aboard the Dior Express. To honour Dior’s inspiration of the eccentric English post-war high society and their fascination with travel for the Cruise 2017 collection, the event started with a stylish journey through the Oxfordshire countryside on board the famous Orient Express. The 18^th century grandeur of Blenheim Palace was the perfect backdrop for Dior’s dresses with asymmetrical drawstrings, striped shirting panels and beautiful devorévelvets. As the models wound their way through the palace, they appeared in all manner of bright and beautiful colours found in nature, including sunny yellows, poppy reds, creams and sky blues.

The Hunt

The opulence and extravagance of the traditional hunting apparel of the English gentry was shown in all aspects of the collection, from the traditional fabrics to the staple gentry colours. The reds were evocative of classic hunting pink, popping brightly next to rustic tweeds and poplins. The most daring print was the intricate equestrian scenes from the 1800s knitted into pictorial jacquards or fused onto country florals and dresses. Classic country scenes aren’t just art for your drawing room walls. The tight bar jackets and printed silk skirts were sophisticated and elegant, like something the ladies of the house would have worn for afternoon tea. Alongside the ponies stood rich silks with African and Asian prints, patterns and embroideries, expressing high society’s infinite wanderlust.

English Eccentricity

In keeping with the post-war high society wardrobe theme, there were extravagant puffed sleeves, cropped leather trousers with kick flares and silk scarfs wrapped like streamers around wrists. Florals flitted through the collection (worn by model-of-the-moment Bella Hadid), to compliment the English countryside theme. There were also Dior’s trademark coatdresses, alongside floral tea-dresses that perfectly contrasted with the slicked-back hair and dark eye shadow that was applied right up to the models’ brows. Spiffing, darling.

Polaroids: Thang LV

Words: Annabel Lunnon

The post Dior Cruise 17 appeared first on Wonderland.