On Monday May 11th the Fash Pack descended on the French Riviera for the unveiling of Raf Simons’ Dior cruise 2016 collection. I’m no stranger to the Cote d’Azur, in fact you’ll find me here three times a year between the sunny shores of Monaco and Cannes, it’s pretty safe to say it’s one of my most favourite places in the world and I’d jump at any opportunity to spend more time here given the cool calmness it brings.
I was particularly intrigued about this show because of the unusual venue. Nestled high up in the hillside above Plage Juan Les Pins, not far from Cannes, Pierre Cardin’s weird and wonderful Bubble House carves an amazingly strange silhouette. With arguably one of the best views over the Riviera, it’s not actually visible from below so remains a largely undiscovered piece of the coastline. Known as the Palais Bulles, the terracotta palace sits within the rocks that make up the hillside and is furnished with all of Cardin’s original avant-garde pieces.
On to the show. Cruise is where Raf Simons really comes into his own and we get to see a real vision of the “New” Dior. In 1947 Christian Dior was hailed as the creator of the “New Shape” as rationing came to an end and fabric restrictions were cut loose, this feels like one of those defining moments. Early evening as they sky began to darken, the perfect backdrop for the show was unveiled and the makeshift weaving runway was lit with stage lighting. strode through the grounds of the Palais Bulles wearing über feminine pieces, this feels like statement dressing for independent women. Showcasing checks, tiny pleats and a touch of tweed, the collection oozed Dior and only stands to further compound the fact that Simons is a perfect fit with the brand.
We also got to see accessories including scarves, some of which were carried by hand, and bags, from the iconic Lady Dior through to brand new styles adorned with rich flower motifs.
Dior muse Marion Cotillard was in attendance and looked amazing, as good as any of the runway models in fact. Dakota Fanning and Zoe Kravitz also graced the FROW decked out in Dior, natch.
The Palais Bulles is quite possibly the best venue ever for a Cruise show, if there’s a location that can identify with the concept of a Cruise collection it’s absolutely the Cote d’Azur and the Bubble House is so full of character it’s almost like a living art exhibition. I’m pretty certain that this will be one of those shows that’s referenced in years to come not only because of Simons’ creative vision but also because of the innovative venue choice and the idea of the show being packaged in its entirety and not just for the fabulous clothes.
The full collection can be viewed in the slideshow below.
Pixie x
Click Here to watch the Dior Cruise 2016 show in full.
