Christian Dior Resort 2014

Raf Simmons latest offering at Dior rekindled my love for Dior's youthfulness, something I've been waiting to see in a long time. That's not to say that he hasn't already been doing so especially with the Couture collection he showed in January. But this time around, the clothes look rejuvenated with Simmons playing around with graphic prints in layered transparencies and varying proportions à la Balenciaga.

Not dissimilar to Chalayan's uncompromising design values, Simmons pushed his designs to the limit without sacrificing his own aesthetic. Lace, unheard of in any of his shows, was layered on top of metallics and other fabrics which gave the garments a modern edge. Staying true to the Dior DNA, Simmons incorporated florals by way of print - a subtle but nonetheless effective nod to the master's love of flowers.

Of course, those who miss Dior's fun and flirtatious dresses need not worry. The navy blue maxi and green slip dress count as some of my favourites as he reinterprets Dior's famous silhouettes for the 21st century. Flowy asymmetrical dresses with aerodynamic lines down the front showed less restraint and Simmons newfound freedom now that he's at the top of his game. Like the glamorous sports cars that drive up and down the coast of Monaco...

"Raf Simons is about to take Dior on a long and glorious ride."
-Tim Blanks-