Emperor’s new clothes or am I going mad?

This blog was created to talk about all things beautiful, fashions that inspire and stories that preserve the past and the present. However once in a while I make an exception because I need to share the other kind of thoughts, get them out of my head, straight into the web-space that I made my own.

Over the last few months every time I saw another Dior fashion show and read a review that followed I felt like that little boy in the Andersen’s tale who seemed to be the only one seeing no real clothes. I saw so many flash backs and similarities in what Simons is currently presenting as his innovative designs that it hurt my eyes and made my heart cry for help, hope, anything... My mind was also struggling whenever I saw another interview or story praising “the new Era of Dior” and the houses new designer.

And the questions kept popping up in my head…

Look at the images below, look at the seasons they come from. If this is the future of Dior then why so many looks resemble Dior and even Jil Sander collections from the past? Is Simons even capable of designing for such a unique and historically important fashion house like Dior? Does he even have the gift of visualising fashion and making it evolve while preserving the legacy, not blindly copying some of the past designs? Or is his own imaginary world is, in fact, empty, just like that Emperor’s closet? And what is the real reason for the Dior bosses to keep the Maisons designer?

I know everyone deserves a second chance and creating one’s very first collection is always a challenge, but Simons had three attempts already and yet failed to impress and inspire. The feelings of emptiness and disappointment that come after each show have such a strong and bitter aftertaste that I no longer plan to think of Dior as one of the houses that’s worth talking about or falling in love with. It’s sad, but it’s true.

In his interview that followed the couture show the designer said that with his latest collection he was hoping to “re-connect with the company's long-timers” (as if he can’t forget the effect Slimane’s collection had on the YSL audience – something he is yet to achieve). I am afraid if he continues the way he does, not only the old school will be gone forever, but the younger generation will also join them. I booked my one-way ticket already. You?

Dior CTR S/S 2013 (S = Simons) - Dior RTW F/W 2012 (S) - Jil Sander RTW S/S 2011 (S) - Jil Sander RTW F/W 2007 (S)

Dior Couture F/W 2012 (S) - Jil Sander RTW F/W 2012 (S)

Dior CTR S/S 2013 (S) – Jil Sander RTW F/W 2009 (S)

Dior CTR S/S 2013 (S) – Dior RTW F/W 2012 (S) – Dior CTR F/W 2012 (S) – Jil Sander RTW F/W 2007 (S)

Dior CTR S/S 2013 (S) – Dior CTR S/S 2008 (G = Galliano)

The yellow fabric overstock from the times at Jil Sander, no?

Dior CTR S/S 2013 (S) – Dior RTW F/W 2012 (S) – Dior CTR F/W 2012 (S) – Jil Sander RTW S/S 2007 (S)

Dior RTW S/S 2012 (S) – Dior RTW S/S 2010 (G)

Dior RTW S/S 2013 (S) – Dior CTR S/S 2005 (G) – Jil Sander RTW S/S 2011 (S)

Dior CTR F/W 2012 (S) – Dior RTW F/W 2005 (G)

Sparkling lips: Dior CTR S/S 2013 – Kinder Aggugini RTW F/W 2012

These are just a few examples – I’ll let you be the judge.

Photo source: Numero China November 2010 (the dress is Dior RTW F/W/ 2010), style.com