Ma Cherie, Dior: Raf Simon's first Haute Couture Collection for Dior

I could hardly wait for Couture Fashion Week. I was eagerly looking forward to seeing what Raf Simons would turn out. For years, the Christian Dior Haute Couture shows have brought the most drama and excitement; it's hard to top Galliano's show-stopping confections. Then, of course, there was the confusion of Gaytten's collections. What would Raf bring to the table?

The Fall 2012 HC collection really seems like a return to the Dior aesthetic. One dress in particular, a red mid length belted dress with large pockets on the hip, really seemed to harken back to Dior's New Look. The new Dior has completely exorcised Galliano from it's system. I'll miss him, but I accept this return to Dior's traditional spirit. Gone are the theatrical shapes of recent past; the focus now is on rounded hips, cinched waists and layered bodices that are meant to resemble petals. It's those bodices that I don't like. They made me think of crumb catchers, and their side profile was a bit too close to Madonna's cone-shaped bras. The videos below barely capture the details and texture of the fabrics. I believe this collection really needs to be seen up-close in order for its true beauty to be appreciated.