Iconic Collections: Christian Dior Spring Summer 2004

When you think about something that is iconic, you might think, well, it's something that can last forever in our minds, and well, this collection has been in my mind since the very first moment I saw it. Really this is what I live for, this Haute Couture extravaganza, where Cleopatra herself, seemed to be jealous of not being able to wear this garments.


This is the full video of the collection:

 And here we have the video from the backstage:

This collection was inspired of course by Egypt. We, mortals, can get inspiration by reading or watching videos, but no, John Galliano took it to the next level and he went himself to Egypt, starting on a trip in a hot-air balloon over the pyramids of Giza. He created then the Sphinx line: "elongated, tight, attenuated, but crossed with the elegance of (Richard) Avedon and (Irving) Penn" and also he used every single resources available on the ateliers. This is by far the most acclaimed collection from Dior, even, it has its own Wikipedia page (but of course is not that complete). His references were of course the Gods of Egypt, the pharaoh Ramses funeral mask, the pyramids, the hieroglyphics, the mummies of course, and there were tons and tons of golden details.

Pat McGrath in charge of make up, Stephen Jones created those amazing head pieces, while Victoire de Castellane created all the jewelry. Model faces looked like drag queens but also they resembled the funeral mask of Pharaoh Ramses II, the way the walked was very regal with their hands on their hips trying to hold themselves without falling, and the pose they made at the middle of the runway was really gravity defiance, they laid back as much as they could so their torsos made a perfect 90º degrees position with the rest of their bodies. Erin O'Connor opened the show dressed as if Cleopatra would have gone drag, which is a normal reference for Galliano.

Detail of the make up and the jewelry

Detail of the embroidery and the different fabrics mixed

Scarabs and eagles covered in crystals and gold kept hanging off models ears, some others were placed onto the garments. Lapis Lazuli, gold leaf, silver lamé, and coral, were some of the materials used on each garment. In the video, when Erin was illuminated and started her walk, you can hear everybody applauding, whistling very excited of what they were watching. The collection was material for editorials, however it was not a hit when it comes to the sales it produced, as long as I know, only Mrs. Wintour wore the collection in public, at the Met Gala in 2004 entitled Dangerous Liasons: The Art of Seduction.

Again, this is one of my all time favorite collections, here you have the videos and photos. Stay tuned for my next review!

Backstage and at the ateliers:

Runway:

Editorials: