Flowers in a Verdant Garden, Hiding Their Opulence Within

In January, the Spring/Summer 2013 Paris Haute Couture collections began amidst falling snow. On the opening day, Dior's show took place in a silver tent erected in the Tuileries Garden, overlooking the Seine.

As if to forget the cold outside, the interior was a spring garden brimming with greenery. It was a garden Monsieur Dior so loved. Models emerged from amidst the trees. Raf Simons envisioned them as flowers blooming in a verdant garden.

Satin embroidered with delicate floral motifs was layered with tulle, each motif overlapping and swaying. The models, walking as if strolling down a garden path, all looked radiantly happy.

Floral motifs unfolded within coats, on overlapping bodices and peplums. The hidden luxury within expanded into a world of opulence.

The tailleur (jacket) and dress pattern makers collaborated to complete a single dress. This was a first for the Dior ateliers.

A chiffon dress layered over a fitted bustier was paired with an organza jacket.

For the finale, the models swayed their asymmetrical dresses like flowers rustling in the breeze. This was Raf Simons' DIOR, an evolution of his first collection.