Dior Couture A/W2012

Following the news of Raf Simons' placement as the new head of design for womenswear at Christian Dior, the fashion world was left wondering as to how he would fare at the job. With John Galliano's lasting legacy with a career spanning for more than a decade, followed by Bill Gaytten's performance which left a lot to be desired, the Belgian designer who left his post at Jil Sander had great boots to fill. How was he going to merge with the Dior DNA? Well, the question was answered yesterday at his first couture showing as the house's new genius. The front row was full of industry giants which included the likes of Donatella Versace, Franca Sozzani, Alber Elbaz, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg and Azzedine Alaia. Talk about pressure! Alongside these names, the rest of the world and the critics watched with bated breath. Simons decided to refer to Christian Dior's iconic 1947 'New Look', taking it upon himself to create his own new look for the modern woman. The waist was nipped in, and peplums flared revealing the iconic Dior silhouette. Infused with this was Simons' own minimalist touch, deviating greatly from Galliano's operatic style and Gaytten's kooky. The effect was refreshingly stark- the lines were clean, the embellishment lavish with the occasional brocade and sparkle but not overpowering; everything was made even more impactful by the fact that Raf Simons created simple but well-made couture. Not a bad way to start off what looks to be a great career with a house as esteemed as Christian Dior. Derek Blasberg tweeted 'in the last 13 minutes, Raf Simons single-handedly altered the contemporary haute couture landscape'. With Dolce and Gabbana heading into couture for the first time this month and other visionaries such as Riccardo Tisci waiting in the wings, it's hard to tell just how much impact Simons' showing has overall, but what's certain is that he has definitely made his mark. I'm looking forward to more from him.

[images: Getty]

Another Black Swan for Dior

Earlier this week, it's been announced that Black Swan actress, Mila Kunis has been tapped as the new face of Christian Dior. Her campaigns, shot by Mikael Jansson, will debut in China next week and in the US later this month, appearing in The New York Times on the 29th of January. She now joins the likes of fellow Aronofsky muse Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron and Marion Cotillard as the faces and ambassadors for the bespoke fashion house. Now, let's be real shall we?

Looking at the images that have surfaced, I must express a disappointment with the final result. On paper, anybody would think that Kunis and Dior would be a great match, but in reality it seems a bit off. Visually at least. In the campaigns, though still remarkably beautiful, the actress looks like she's been stripped of everything she's known for. Sass, edginess, raw sexuality...all of that went out the window and instead, we are presented with what looks like a young ingenue, with a face scrubbed clean of everything worldly, and an attitude that is just a little too ill-fitting for the vibrant nature that Mila is known for. Somehow, Dior has managed to make her normal, run-of-the-mill and almost mannequin like and it is not good. Remember when British Vogue tried to de-chav, and de-WAG Cheryl Cole for their cover? Didn't work did it? The same thing happened here. Likewise with Blake Lively and her Chanel Mademoiselle Bag campaigns (I still don't know what Uncle Karl was thinking. Maybe he got entranced by Blake's boobs too much, like staring at the sun for too long...).

Fortunately, these first few images are just the beginning for Kunis and the brand. The label has stated that the actress will front Dior's 2012 media plan, alongside the Spring campaigns. Here's hoping for better campaigns! Also, lay off the Adobe. They never made Marion or Natalie this badly photoshopped! Seriously. 

These outtakes look way better than the finished ads. Just sayin. 

What did you think?

[images: Mikael Jansson via fashionologie]