Sartorial delights on display at 2010 haute couture shows

Members of the international fashion elite flocked to Paris this week for the annual Spring/Summer haute couture shows.

The event ran from the 24th to the 28th of January and featured the work of eleven fashion houses, including Chanel, Armani Prive, Givenchy and Christian Dior. While Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel sent models out in a pastel array of 60s inspired frou frou confections, Givenchy went for sumptuous Edwardian glamour injected with a strong dose of goth rock. Other highlights included Elie Saabs’ ultra feminine eveningwear, where models floated down the shimmering catwalk swathed in billowing chiffon of soft apricot, feathery rose and powder blue. Jean Paul Gaultier closed the event with a playful Mexican inspired show, complete with basket woven bustier dresses, feathers, chains and the odd Cuban cigar. The bi-annual couture shows are organised by the Paris based Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, and represent the ultimate in international luxury fashion.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

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David Lynch for Lady Dior

Director David Lynch is set to cast his surreal eye over the next installment of the Lady Dior mini-series.

Lynch, renowned for the TV series "Twin Peaks" and films such as "Blue Velvet" and "Mulholland Drive" is no stranger to fashion, directing Gucci's perfume campaign last year.

Lynch will be sure to add his eerie stamp to the latest edition, continuing Oliver Dahan's initial February release, "Lady Noir Affair" starring Marion Cotillard. As the current face of Dior, Cotillard will again feature as the femme fatale to showcase the label's iconic Lady Dior handbag.

Karl Lagerfeld was not alone in Shanghai this week with his store opening and show as Lynch joined both Cotillard and John Galliano to continue shooting this alluring web saga.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

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Dior does cinematic advertising

Christian Dior has released its first promotional short film on the Internet.

Lady Noir, directed by Oliver Dahan of La Vie en Rose fame, is described by Dior as a “dark thriller.” Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard plays the protagonist, who tries to set free a man who is tied up – all the while wearing Dior platforms.

The film is being screened on the Dior website, as well as appearing as paid-for trailer adverts on numerous websites. Rumours have started online regarding the puzzling inclusion of the number N°751B43 within the film and also on Dior’s Twitter.

Lady Noir is part one in a series of four short films, which aim to piece together the story of “One lady, four cities, one iconic Lady Dior bag.”
Story by Ingrid Kesa

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