Christian Dior RTW Autumn/Winter 2011/2012

One word: Dior

Quite simply, the show must go on. As awkward and intense as the past week may have been for the label, Christian Dior has prominently and respectfully proven why they are the most important house in the entire fashion industry. Shortly before commencing today's wonderful ready-to-wear presentation, Dior president Sidney Toledano delivered a brief statement on recent events followed by the foundations and core values of the renowned fashion label. “What has happened over the last week has been a terrible and wrenching ordeal for us all,” Toledano said. “It has been deeply painful to see the Dior name associated with the disgraceful statements attributed to its designer, however brilliant he may be. These statements have deeply shocked and saddened us all at Dior who give body and soul to their work, and it is particularly painful that they came from someone so admired for his remarkable creative talent".

Noticeably absent of course was John Galliano and his personal design team. Nonetheless, the new collection was fairly pleasing to one's eye.

With a delightfully French aesthetic in mind, models trotted down the catwalk in a colorful array of practical, yet stylish, sportswear catered to a more youthful appearance. There were few references of Galliano's affection towards Dior's signature bar jacket which has been shown quite frequently in past collections. Still, plenty ensembles featured lovely pleated skirts in various colors and prints to slim-silhouette blazers and coats. Sporting softer make-up and hair compared to previous runway shows, several models were clad in fur wrist and neck-warmers and toting the iconic Lady Dior handbag in a variety of styles and colors. In all, John Galliano's final ready-to-wear collection for the label was a somber reminder that this genius' vision will no longer be shared with Christian Dior.

Nevertheless, today's presentation signified a promising future and outlook for the legendary House of Dior.

All photos courtesy of Womens Wear Daily.

John Galliano Issues Apology & Will Stand Trial

Golden boy no more

As if the turmoil surrounding John Galliano couldn't get any worse. In light of the recent anti-semetic scandal, irrevocably tarnishing the designer's name and reputation, it has been reported Galliano will stand criminal trial in France for charges of public insult.

The overly vilified couturier has "unreservedly" apologized for his harmful comments in a video that has equally shocked and saddened the entire fashion industry. In a statement released by the law firm of Harbottle & Lewis, the fallen fashion giant denies making anti-semitic slurs on February 24 and vows to clear his name and seek help. “I was subjected to verbal harassment and an unprovoked assault when an individual tried to hit me with a chair having taken violent exception to my look and my clothing. For these reasons I have commenced proceedings for defamation and the threats made against me. However, I fully accept that the accusations made against me have greatly shocked and upset people.”

Galliano's lawyer, Stephane Zerbib, confirms the couturier will stand criminal trial at some point in the second quarter.

John Galliano's position as head designer at Christian Dior Couture was terminated March 1 in a swift response to the recently leaked video depicting the designer's racist rant and a separate incident occurring on February 24.

Christian Dior Ousts Galliano With Immediate Effect

Done at Dior

Legendary fashion label Christian Dior has inevitably reached its tether with the intense situation surrounding head designer John Galliano. In a bold announcement early Tuesday, Dior president and chief executive officer Sidney Toledano denounced Galliano's "odious behavior" in a recently leaked video depicting the designer's racist outburst. “We unequivocally condemn the statements made by John Galliano which are in total contradiction to the longstanding core values of Christian Dior". Toledano has confirmed termination proceedings have been initiated and are in full effect.

Dior's statement comes shortly after two separate cases of anti-semetic allegations against Galliano surfaced within the past few days. A second incident from October 2010 was captured on video and posted by British tabloid The Sun igniting a firestorm of media activity.

Meanwhile, Natalie Portman, the new face of the label's "Miss Dior Cherie" perfume and a proud Jewish woman, has swiftly disassociated herself from Galliano in a statement Tuesday. "I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano's comments that surfaced today,” said Portman. “In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way. I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful."

John Galliano has been head designer of Christian Dior's haute couture and ready-to-wear divisions since 1996.

According to WWD, it is understood that Dior intends to go forth with its scheduled show March 4 for Paris Fashion Week.

Galliano Files Defamation Claim & Shocked by Dior

"Dior's reaction was extremely excessive"

Shortly after being targeted with allegations of anti-semitism Thursday evening, Dior's John Galliano has responded "firmly and formally" denying any accusations and set forth a defamation claim of his own. According to his lawyer, Stephane Zerbib, Galliano ventured to Paris' third arrondissement midnight Friday to formally provide three witnesses to corroborate his claims of innocence. Not only did the couturier intend to prove his integrity, Galliano swiftly entered a claim of defamation of character and injury against the couple, identified as Géraldine Bloch and Philippe Virgiti, and is awaiting a decision by Parisian police.

Meanwhile, John Galliano is stunned by Dior's harsh decision to remove him from his responsibilities as head couturier pending the outcome of anti-semetic allegations. “Dior's reaction was extremely excessive. He is not guilty and is not embroiled in a court case or anything. He feels it is a decision that has been made without verification of the facts and based on one side of the story and he is very shocked about that", Zerbib said.

John Galliano has been Dior's head designer since being appointed in October 1996.

Dior Temporarily Suspends John Galliano In Midst of Anti-Semetic Remarks

Galliano in 2005

Renowned fashion house Christian Dior has temporarily suspended John Galliano due to allegations of anti-semitism. While dining at a Paris cafe Thursday evening, Galliano was apparently involved in a verbal altercation where alleged racist comments were uttered by the couturier prompting an immediate police investigation. In a swift response to the allegations and Galliano's detaining by Parisian police, Sidney Toledano, Christian Dior's president and chief executive officer, announced the suspension due to a "zero tolerance" policy regarding racism and anti-Semitism. "Pending the results of the inquiry, Christian Dior has suspended John Galliano from his responsibilities."

As of now, John Galliano's lawyer, Stéphane Zerbib, has announced the couturier's prompt denial of any alleged accusations. “They said bad things against him. He said bad things against them. And that’s all,” said Zerbib. “Afterwards, the police came and the story’s closed, and that’s all…. He never used against anyone anti-Semitic words or racist words, as it is not his way.”

Galliano has been preparing for the imminent Paris Fashion Week to present the new Dior autumn/winter ready-to-wear collection on March 4 as well as a set for his own eponymous label on March 6.

Pre-Fall 2011: The Duchess of Dior

"Meet me at Balmoral Castle, darling. I'll need to stop at Dior first."

Known for her inimitable style in British royalty, as well as being a loyal client of Monsieur Christian Dior, John Galliano has crafted a pre-fall collection based on Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor. Featuring nods from her keen hunting lifestyle to her insatiable love of bold costume jewelry, it would seem the late duchess has been resurrected in the form of Dior's affectionate pre-fall presentation. With designs ranging from colorful argyle and cable-knit sweaters to variations in plaid topped with fox-fur collars, Galliano's pre-fall set is sure to spark any loving memories of the lively Duchess of Windsor.

Couture Memories: Christian Dior Haute Couture A/W 2005

Joyeux Anniversaire, Monsieur Dior

In celebration of Monsieur Dior's 100th birthday, John Galliano delivered the utmost in dedication and respect for the legendary designer in his visually-striking 2005 autumn/winter haute couture presentation. Commencing with a highly sensational production, which includes a horse-led carriage preceded by a simulated lightning storm, Galliano's collection oozed with turn-of-the-century fashions mixed with the vibrancy of South American exploration. With theatrics ranging from audio featuring lovely French monologues, accented with the romance of 40's jazz, to the charming little boy at the beginning representing a young Dior, Galliano's tribute presentation evoked an honor of the absolute highest order which proclaimed:

Joyeux Anniversaire, Monsieur Christian Dior :)

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011

Divinely Dior

Astounding is quite possibly the only referenced word that springs to mind when one views Galliano's incredible new spring 2011 collection for Christian Dior Haute Couture. With today being only day one of the Paris couture shows, John Galliano has single-handedly set the industry bar dramatically high once again with his unparalleled creations. The vibrant presentation featured a rather lovely abundance of tulle and voluminous fabrics set on cinched waistlines and crisp silhouettes utilizing colorful gradients to emphasize shadows. Prominent was the era-defining New Look with Galliano drawing inspiration from Monsieur Dior's own resident artist and fashion illustrator, René Gruau. Naturally, the show segued toward the stunning evening gown segment which exhibited Dior-invented A-line silhouettes and bow-featured waistlines on pleated dresses, both a clear and affectionate homage to Dior's revolutionary New Look.

Elegance. Extravagance. Sophistication. = Christian Dior

All photos courtesy of Women's Wear Daily