Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring 2012

The New Look is 2012. At least that was the case for today's Spring Haute Couture collection presented by Christian Dior. Although the house may still be without a permanent chief designer, Dior's acting creative director, Bill Gaytten, has tapped into the label's lustrous history to produce a rather glamorous collection for the newest season. With the presentation commencing at Christian Dior's 30 Avenue Montaigne salon, those present in the front row included Cameron Diaz, Karlie Kloss, and Bar Refaeli. Vividly seeking direct inspiration from Dior's revolutionary debut, Gaytten offers elegant a-line gowns and massive pleated dresses on cinched waists and figure-hugging silhouettes; a stark homage to the era-defining 40's & 50's looks of Dior. Although there was there an emphasis on tulle, organza, and chiffon, the atelier employed many uses of transparency throughout the collection to highlight the intricacies of artistry in haute couture. With archival referencing at its best, rooted firmly in ultra femininity, the house of Dior never fails to inspire with its signature aesthetic of opulent glamour.

View the entire runway presentation:

Happy Birthday, Christian Dior

“I create so that each and every woman is the most beautiful“. - Christian Dior

His name is synonymous with elegance, quality, and perfection. Today marks the 107th birthday of the revolutionizing master of couture himself, Monsieur Christian Dior. From his overnight sensation of a debut in 1947 to his subsequent passion and endeavors in haute couture extravagance, the world has been dressed impeccably by this humble man who would dominate the world and restore Paris as the pinnacle of high fashion.

Joyeux anniversaire, Monsieur Dior :)

Official Photoshoot: Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2012

Featuring a romantic backdrop courtesy of Paris, this new set instills pure life into the elegant collection. For its corresponding mini-review, please click the following link: Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2012

All photos courtesy of Christian Dior Couture

Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2012

Simple elegance never goes out of style. Christian Dior has unveiled looks from its Pre-Fall 2012 collection through renowned fashion publication Women's Wear Daily. Upon first glance, one may think these classic designs are a rather sharp & pure blend of two great Parisian houses: Dior & Chanel. Clearly evident is the prominence of Dior's signature bar jacket paired with various styles of woolen & silk pencil skirts seeing influences taken from the twenties and fourties. Although the collection is rather sweet and clean, a certain ousted chief designer's talents and midas touch are sorely missed.

All photos courtesy of Women's Wear Daily

Mila Kunis is Miss Dior

Mila Kunis for Dior Spring/Summer 2011/2012

French fashion house Christian Dior has tapped Mila Kunis as the new face of the Miss Dior handbag campaign.

An excited Kunis told Womens' Wear Daily, "I find that Dior is an incredibly grounded house. I always thought what Dior does is so sophisticated, feminine and beautiful."

"Mila Kunis is a very talented young actress; she embodies the true modern woman," reported Delphine Arnault, Dior's deputy general manager. "Her performance in Black Swan was remarkable. She is very gifted. We are looking forward to a long relationship with her."

Kunis joins Black Swan co-star Natalie Portman who is currently the face of the Miss Dior Cherie fragrance marketing campaign.

The Hierarchy of Perfumes

"Perfume is the finishing touch of a dress." - Christian Dior

Parfum? Eau de Parfum? Eau de toi-what? When shopping for fragrances, it's safe to say the average consumer is rather unfamiliar with the meanings behind these charming French terms. Nonetheless, there is definitely a solid and clear hierarchy when it comes to the seemingly endless supply of perfumes and colognes found across the globe. What separates them from one another is both fragrance composition and concentration:

CHANEL's Bois Des Iles parfum

Parfum - The pinnacle and purest of fragrance. This composition, also known as simply "perfume" or "perfume extract", offers the scent at its most concentrated, powerful, and intense with a formula that is intended for long-lasting wear. Undeniably, it is the fullest expression of the perfumer's artistry and expertise.

Application tips: Delicately place the parfum inside the wrists, behind the ears, neck, décolleté, and even behind the knees. These pulse points allow the fragrance to fully develop and emit from your skin.

Christian Dior's Bois D'Argent from La Collection Privée (My daily fragrance & absolute favorite)

Eau de Parfum - If Parfum is the king of all fragrances, then Eau de Parfum is its queen counterpart. Although the parfum content in this concentration is slightly lower, still very potent nonetheless, Eau de Parfum may be used more generously.

Application tips: Most commonly found in spray form, apply to the neck, wrists, and behind the ears. One may also spray the fragrance in the air and simply walk into the mist.

Christian Dior's Dior Homme

Eau de Toilette - The most common of men's fragrances, Eau de Toilette has far less parfum content than both parfum and eau de parfum. It is typically best used in the morning or daytime.

Application tips: For longer wear and lasting hold, spritz the fragrance around you and even in your hair. To add a charming effect that will follow you throughout the day, spray the scent on your jacket or coat collar.

Eau de Cologne - The weakest level of the perfume hierarchy. The parfum content in this composition is quite low and tends to dissipate after a short few hours of wear.

François Demachy, Christian Dior's exceptional Perfumer-Creator, offers his expertise, artistry, and passion for the world of perfumery.

DIOR Wishes 2012

Dior wishes you all the best for the New Year.

This video features rare footage of Monsieur Dior at work creating his unparalleled gowns on live models which I found to be quite charming.

Happy New Year 2012 everyone! :)

CHANEL Wishes 2012

CHANEL wishes you a Happy New Year!

Click the following link to enjoy this festive animation:

http://wishes2012.chanel.com/en_US/