Dior and I

As part of my university studies, we have 2 hours a week dedicated to film club where we will watch a fashion related film, this week we watched the film 'Dior and I'. I was really inspired by the documentary and as Raf Simons stepped down from his position as creative director within the company this week, I thought it would be particularly relevant to blog about.

The Film predominantly focused on Raf Simons and the creation of his debut collection for the company, from him meeting his fellow colleagues for the first time, to the catwalk featuring his debut collection for Dior couture AW 2012/13. Raf had just 8 weeks to create the collection, for it to be ready for the catwalk in time and the film captured this intense journey in such a captivating manner.

Something which stood out for me within the film was that Raf was often described as a 'minimalist'. However, I disagree with this statement and believe it to be a narrow minded view. Raf also disagrees with this statement and within the film explained that actually he is not a minimalist, he had just taken on a minimalist brand in the past. I think branding Raf as a minimalist is unfair, because previously he was working for a brand where he had to be, however that doesn't mean that minimalism is all he is capable of. Raf said he was now on a big stage working with Dior and he would step up, and oh he did, along with proving that he definitely isn't a minimalist.

I found having an insight into how Raf works really interesting. The film showed that he does not sketch like the majority of designers but instead he prepares files, which include inspirations and ideas etc. These files will then be presented to people who will sketch their perception of the files. Finally Raf will decide which designs he particularly likes and will then choose to use within his collections.

Christian Dior Couture A/W 2012/13

My favourite part of the documentary has to be the preparation of and the catwalk itself! The walls of the catwalk were completely floral, put together with one million fresh flowers. Orchids, roses and carnations (the list goes on) covered the walls of the five private salons. The catwalk was bursting with colour which made the show so captivating (visit the link at the bottom of this post to watch the full show).

This Thursday after 3 and a half years, Raf Simons resigned from Dior. Raf took over the position as Christian Dior's creative director from Bill Gaytten in 2012. In the official press release Raf stated that his exit from the design house was due 'personal reasons'. In a statement he said 'Christian Dior is an extraordinary company, and it has been an immense privilege to write a few pages of his magnificent book'. Thankfully Raf won't disappearing from the fashion world completely, in Antwerp his menswear collection still remains.

I would highly recommend watching 'Dior and I' particularly for those of you interested in fashion, whether it be design or any other aspect such as PR or communications!

To watch Christian Dior Couture A/W 2012/13 full show please visit;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6IL148Lo88

Love, Isabella x

Photo Credits: Google images