Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture is a high-drama affair filled with theatrical presentations, elaborate sets, extravagant makeup, and notably, remarkable designs combined with pristine craftsmanship. Ahead of the Haute Couture Spring 2016 season that kicks off next Sunday, every day this week Style.com/Arabia will revisit the most enchanting and unforgettable moments in haute couture #fashionhistory.
CHRISTIAN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE SPRING 1998
Known for his theatrical designs and dramatic showcases, British designer John Galliano staged a spectacular fashion opera presentation for the Christian Dior Spring 1998 haute couture collection. The lavish affair took place at the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris, where models (including Astrid Muñoz, Nadja Auermann, Eva Herzigova, Erin O’Conner, and Carolyn Murphy) descended the grand marble staircase in elaborate designs that drew inspiration from Marchesa Casati —an eccentric and extravagant Italian heiress known for wearing live snakes as jewelry. The poetic collection featured decadent hoop skirt gowns, mink fur trimmed coats, sculptured silhouettes, and cinched waist shapes reminiscent of Dior’s “New Look.” In true Galliano exuberance, the show ended with thousands of colorful paper confetti butterflies showering down on the guests.
Replacing Italian designer Gianfranco Ferre, John Galliano was appointed creative director of Christian Dior in 1996. He held the reins until 2011, and during his tenure received critical acclaim for his haute couture and ready-to-wear collections.
