43 - Christian Dior by John Galliano.

Christian Dior by John Galliano. A red silk chiffon dress from the Cruise 2008 collection, closely corresponding to Look 57, presented here in an alternative colourway, featuring narrow shoulder straps, a draped crossover neckline, finely pleated bodice and a full, gathered skirt with cascading drapery, finished with a concealed side zip fastening and matching bow belt. Outer fabric and lining 100% silk, labelled French size 42 (UK 14), made in France. Grade B Notes: John Galliano’s Cruise 2008 collection for Christian Dior was presented in New York in May 2007, drawing on the extravagant glamour of heiress Barbara Hutton’s world in the 1960s. Its vivid palette and lavish decoration established a mood of luxurious escapism. The frequent use of bows throughout the collection reinforced its playful femininity, giving the looks a recurring decorative motif. The present dress reflects this romantic character through red silk chiffon, a draped crossover neckline and a finely pleated bodice. The full gathered skirt unfolds into cascading drapery, allowing the lightweight fabric to move freely. At the waist, the matching bow belt provides a focal point, gathering the flowing silhouette into a clearly defined shape. Here, the bow serves both a decorative and compositional purpose: it emphasises the waist, balances the skirt’s volume and echoes the collection’s repeated use of tied ornament. Combined with the saturated red chiffon, it lends the dress an expressive elegance characteristic of Galliano’s occasionwear.