Raf Simons Dior and I

I've been writing about Dior and I since before its release and [as usual] I miss every movie and documentary I'm interested in watching. Dior and I came and went and I missed out, until now. Thank you Netflix!

[I finally] watched Dior and I, from the comfort of my sofa, about a week ago and I'm still thinking about it. It moved me. Raf Simons moved me. It makes his departure from Dior last Fall very upsetting [to me] because from the perspective of the film, he was beginning to adjust and Dior was doing quite well with Raf at the helm.

Dior and I takes us on a frenzied journey through the creation of an haute couture collection. But not just any collection - this was Raf Simons' first collection as the artistic director for Christian Dior and his very first couture collection ever. He had only eight weeks to create and produce a collection and runway show where ALL eyes would be on him. This was a very stressful, under-pressure situation for him. Or anyone, really.

One of the most interesting "topics" of the documentary was the question of minimalism. There is a difference between modernity and minimalism; they are not the same. However, coming from Jil Sander, Raf Simons was immediately pegged as a minimalist when all he wanted to do was express a modern approach to a legendary label. Watching and listening to him speak on the topic was an important and revealing part of the film. Suddenly, everything made sense.

The collection itself was stunning but the images, including the ones published by me, did not do justice to the garments. The richness of the textiles and the intensive labor involved are captured well in Dior and I. Also, photos can't compare to watching this collection in high-definition movement. So absolutely exquisite.

It is undeniable that Raf Simons is an enormous talent. I enjoyed watching his creativity unfold and at the same time felt his stress and frustration - something the film did well to convey. By the end of Dior and I, you feel like you know this man. And watching Raf Simons get emotional was very moving indeed. I couldn't help but to cry along with him. Dior and I did an excellent job of conveying his humanity as well.

I urge you to watch Dior and I, or even better, like me, own it! I'll most definitely be watching Dior and I again.

fashionado

DIOR HOMME Spring 2016

For all the dapper dudes out there who have a closet full of camouflage and have worried, like me, that the trend has seen its last season, I'm happy to announce: NOT! Well, at least according to Dior Homme who gave us a runway full of it. There were, of course, camo pants, but we also saw the pattern displayed proudly on shirts, vests, as the lining on coats, on back packs and even over classic argyle.

Dior Homme presented a collection that flirted with business attire and sportswear. Three-piece suits gave way to over-size (dressy) cargo pants that were paired with sandals. There were pops of color throughout, mainly with the outerwear. Yellow, red and my personal favorite color, orange.

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DIOR AND I: The Trailer

dior and i movie fashionado

What happens when a fashion designer with a minimalist approach is at the helm of a legendary fashion house known for its elegance and extravagance? Raf Simons shook up Dior and the luxurious world of haute couture when he was appointed creative director in 2012. Dior and I walks you through his first collection for the iconic label. Dior and I hits US theaters on April 10th and I. Can't. Wait! For more information about Dior and I, visit their website.

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Christian Dior Spring 2015 Couture

Raf Simons continues to embed his mark, vision and aesthetic on the House of Dior. Like other notable creative director's heading legendary labels, Simons is successfully balancing between new and tradition. I haven't seen a retro vibe present itself with so much freshness in a long time. This collection has so many stand out pieces in a broad range of silhouettes. Some of my faves: the psychedelic catsuits, the ribbons dress and most of the coats in the brightest colors.

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