8 Best Dior Looks by Raf Simons

Say it ain't so. This morning, the news broke that Raf Simons would be leaving his post as artistic director at Dior. If you listening closely, you'll be able to hear the sobs of thousands of fashion girls around the world. Though his reign was relatively brief -- Simons was with the famed house for three and a half years after John Galliano's abrupt (and controversal) departure -- it's undeniable that the Belgian designer brought a cool, modern energy to Dior. So in the memory of sartorial greatness, let's take a stroll down memory lane, shall we? Scroll away for the Trendologist's favorite Dior looks by Raf Simons.

Fall Couture 2012, Look 25: Christian Dior had his treasured "New Look," and Galliano has his exuberant flair. But Simons? His aesthetic is an updated mix of the two: progressive like Dior, but winked at Galliano's drama. From  his debut collection, it was obvious that his interpretation would be coveted by the industry's cool girls, and this look from his premiere collection hits the sartorial nail on the head. The combinaton of a fitted, ankle-length trouser and mullet-esque top is the perfect blend of masculine and feminne. Plus, that rich cobalt hue (which almost perfectly matches Simons's flower-adorned walls) is enchanting.

Autumn Ready-to-Wear 2013, Look 2: Leave it to Simons to consistently server up some innovative silhouettes. Sure, peplums are nothing new to the design world; however, this one-sided peplum helps accentuate a woman's figure without looking cliched . And the high-slit, which accompanies the origami-like pop, gives this frippery a seductive twist. But before you write off this dress as "modern, white and that's about it," the illustrations on the peplum add a fun touch.  Look familiar to you? That's because Jennifer Lawrence rocked this frock to an event for Catching Fire  in Cannes a few years ago.



Fall Couture 2013, Look 15: If you've seen the brand's new documentary, Dior and I, you'll know that crafting a full couture collection is a lot of work. With a fully-stocked atellier, it's no surprise that the French house always delivers. But this look perhaps best highlights the TLC that is reqired: while the semi-sheer garment is delicate, the tough accessories create this admirable push-pull factor. And don't tell us that you're not going ga-ga over this texture. Forget silks, lace, and neoprene: the fine ruffles are pure genius. Don't you just want to stick your hand through your screen and touch this? You can't, sorry. And for those who haven't seen the documentary:go out and do so immediately.

 

Spring Ready-to-Wear 2014, Look 52: As any fashion fanatic who memorizes runway shows knows, this wasn't the crux of Simons's spring 2014 collection. Instead, most of the collection consisted of embellished dresses, sleek pantsuits, and colorful skirts. But for the finale, a sea of silver jacquard dresses ran rampant on the catwalk. Mixed with the flora of all varities hanging from the ceiling, it was the fashion moment unapologetic girly girls dream of.  This look in particular balances the high-drama of a full metallic skirt with a simple black sleeveless top, not to mention the embellished patch provides a fun, collegiate addition. And the (obivous) moral of the show is this: finales can easily leave more of a mark than the collection itself.



Fall Couture 2014, Look 3: Throughout Simons's reign at Dior, there has been a heavy dose of references from the 18th century: petticoat-like outerwear, scultupural skirts and pretty pastels, for example. This perpetual inspiration undeniably reached its apex at the designer's fall 2014 couture show. From dreamy duster coats to voluminous eveningwear,  it was a collection that Marie Antoinette and today's street style star would both adore. Traditional but not literal, this dress oozes perfection. The slim bodice coupled with an exaggerated drop-waist creates an unusal, yet flattering, silhouette while the pretty palette grounds this girly look.



Autumn Reaty-to-Wear 2014, Look 21: While at Dior, Simons took a liking to sleek black pantsuits and dainty pastel dresses. But when he injected some potent hues in his collections? Wow. Some may think that cherry red and cerulean blue may look too patriotic when paired together; however, this look is cool, offbeat and quite secular. As a whole, this dress is the perfect balance between simple and complex: the primary colors are stimulating instead of snoozy, the overall shape is fuss-free while busy bodice creates some much-need tension and the soft embroidery challenges the smooth textile. Swoon.

Spring Ready-to-Wear 2015, Look 47: Most of Simons's memorable looks at the house were dresses that graced ad campaigns, editorials and red carpet sightings. But let's not forget his fantastic use of coats and pants. Tinged with a Vicotrian flair, Simons continued to blend feminity and masculinity in his later years. And what's even more commendable about this look is the apparent versatility, comfot and ease. While most of us love avant-garde ensembles, incoproating them into our daily lives is a struggle. This get-up, on the other hand, would look just as good at the office or a party as it does on the runway. And don't those pants scream, "Wear me now"?

Spring Ready-to-Wear 2016, Look 10: As anyone with a pulse on the fashion spectrum could tell you, lingire-inspired clothes is a big trend for this coming spring. And while most brands opted for the literal iteration with lace-adorned slips, Simons gave his take on this trend a softer twist. Sure, the sheer skirt is sublty sultry; however, the whole look perfectly blends a Grecian goddess with the likes of a ski bunny. Two very different references, but somehow it works. But that's the beauty of Dior: it's provoking and sultry, but not overtly sexy. Even in 2015, the Dior brand still sticks to its ladylike roots and remains current.

All runway images courtesy of Vogue Runway
 

Which Raf Simons for Dior looks are you still thinking about? Sound off below!

xx

A Chic New Year

New Year's Eve screams three things to me: reflection, redemption, and a fabulous outfit. While we should definitely reflection on 2011's fashion- the good, the bad, and absolutely dreadful- I'm all about looking forward. So ladies and gent, let's make 2012 the most fabulous year yet. To get things started, let's take a look at my six favorite fashion moments of 2011 and my six most-anticipated for 2012.

REWIND: 2011

1. Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress

Sure it's a little cliche, but how could you not love this wedding dress? Kate looked absolutely radiant and this just validated Sarah Burton as a designer. Yes, I went there.  (Photo Cred)

2. Tibi Fall RTW 2011

Not only was this show a Fashion Week first for me, but the collection is absolutely gorgeous. I love the mix between casual daywear and fantastic cocktail dresses.

3. The Savage Beauty Exhibit

I cried, what more can I say?  It was honestly the most beautiful exhibit I've ever seen.

4. Olivia Wilde at the 2011 Golden Globes (Oscar de la Renta)

My favorite red carpet look of the year, hands down. I loved the juxtaposition with the dress, hair, and spiked Louboutins. Could this get any better? Nope (Photo Cred).

 

5. Alexander McQueen RTW Spring 2012

My favorite collection of the whole year, I believe. All of the detail is hauntingly beautiful and Burton really upholds the McQueen aesthetic. (Photo Cred)

6. Hailee Steinfeld 

Hailee's definitely 2011's ultimate style icon. I love her ability to really take risks whilst embracing her youthfulness. (Photo Cred)

CAN'T WAIT: What's in Store for 2012 

1. New Dior Designer 

Ever since John Galiano's dramatic departure from Dior, the company has been looking for a new head designer. From Marc Jacobs to Ricardo Tisci, it seem as if the Dior potentials list is a "who's hot in fashion." The latest suspect is Raf Simons, which I'm not personally loving. As long as this next designer doesn't dress like a pirate, we'll all be okay. (Photo Cred)

2. Rooney Mara

I'm calling it now: Rooney Mara will be this year's style icon.  With her awesome portrayal of Lisbeth Salander, I'm so sure that we're going to be seeing a lot of Mara. Also, didn't she rock that Prabal Gurung at the Dragon Tattoo premiere? I say yes. (Photo Cred)

3. Jason Wu for Target 

 I died of happiness when I heard the news. Though this collection may not be as big as the Missoni for Target collection, but I'll be camping outside for this one! (Photo Cred)

4. Apocalyptic Chic

I'm not going to lie: I'm afraid of 2012. Is the world really going to end?  This year, let's laugh the apparent apocalypse in the face, shall we? (Photo Cred)

5. 2012 Golden Globes 

Award season is my favorite season and I cannot wait for the Golden Globes in less than two weeks. Ryan Gosling in a gorgeous tux and Charlize Theron wearing something stunning? This is what I live for! (Photo Cred)

6. More Trendologist Posts! 

A little self-centered, I know, but I can't wait to keep you all informed about fun fash-tivities all year long! 

xx