Bringing glamour to the wild, wild west

This week Dior presented us with their Cruise 2018 show, and the first collection for the brand by Maria Grazia Chiuri. They could not have pick a more idyllic location to showcase their western inspired look than the Santa Monica Nature Preserve in LA.

Everything about the event appears as if it has been transported back in time to the days when cow boys weren’t just characters in flock tales, the setting sun behind the far off hills made the perfect atmosphere, that’s looked in a subdued haze (with some help from stage lighting to so off the magnificent looks), they have taken a very laid back approach which worked perfectly alongside this scenic Californian backdrop.

I first saw a teaser for the show while scrolling through my Instagram feed. Dior posted a sneak peak of the safari style tents that later that evening would be host the front row A-list celebrities. The space was very open, and vast only enhancing the environment that surrounded them but rather than sticking out like a saw thumb, they used very neutral organic tones and colours for the interior design.

There are also very Georgia O’Keeffe vibes, who is known for her boldly innovative art, that often features dessert landscapes that are completely stark with imagery of bones in the foreground, her work shows a clear coloration to the collections. There is also further inspiration for the collection taken from the Lascaux cave where there are numerous cave paintings on the wall.

Inspiration from this can be seen throughout the range of garments within the collection, featuring hand painting like imagery. Which is enhanced by the surroundings and general ambiance of the show, it also gave a hand painted charm to the collection.

“you think LA and you think Hollywood, Oscars, the red carpet but honestly I feel people love this place because you feel in contact with the natural elements” – Chiuri

One of the main symbols that you often associate with western films and the wild west is the worn leather, dirty cow boy hats and this was not a missing feature within the collection. But Chiuri gave them a little revamp turning to wide-brimmed hats that’s followed the laid back vibe yet the simple detailing of bead work adds a sense of elegance to the ultimate western accessory.

On a whole the collection contained the Dior pretty that we are so used to seeing mixed with heritage appeal typical of the west, yet at the same time giving a liberating, feminists touch to typically flowing garments by incorporating leather detailing, and strong silhouettes. Tulle, lace, silk jacquards and cotton are seen in abundance, with along with delicate embroideries and prints these easy looks can be dressed up or dressed down with their practical designs.

The colour palette for the collection featured that of earthy tones working in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment with splashes of rusty red, dried oranges and dulled yellow shades.

I completely love this collection I feel like everything last detailed work perfectly with each other, they come together to tell this tale of a wild west adventure. It takes on a journey from start to finish.