Terumi Hagiwara | New Couture as Imagined by Raf Simons at Dior

Terumi Hagiwara's Fashion Days Vol. 59

New Couture: Raf Simons at Dior

Paris Haute Couture, where the work of couturiers is spectacularly unveiled. The most anticipated event, as we'd been noting for some time, was undoubtedly the Dior show, marking the debut of Raf Simons, who had departed Jil Sander. Here, we explore the world of couture as expressed by Raf.

Text by TERUMI HAGIWARA

The Autumn/Winter 2012 Haute Couture collections began on July 1st. This season's highlight is the debut collection of Raf Simons, newly appointed as Dior's Artistic Director. The venue was the second floor of a large building. As I approached, holding a champagne glass, the air was thick with the scent of flowers. It reminded me of the English garden at Granville, Monsieur Dior's birthplace. The very garden young Dior cherished. White orchids, yellow mimosa, roses... meticulously arranged in five separate rooms.

Christian Dior

The first look featured a jacket paired with tapered trousers. Simple and modern. A peplum top crafted from couture lace and embellished with embroidery was also styled with black trousers. Meticulous cutting and the ultimate luxury of handwork. A sheer mink dress transformed, resembling Astrakhan fur. A gown with thousands of tiny petals layered together created a gentle hourglass silhouette. It was new couture, reviving Monsieur Dior's legacy for today.

Terumi Hagiwara
Fashion Director
I attend the New York, Milan, Paris Prêt-à-Porter, and Paris Haute Couture collections each season. I have contributed numerous articles and columns to fashion magazines and newspapers, and also direct select shops.
Official Blog http://hagiwaraterumi-bemode.com/