The show notes at the Dior spring summer 2018 show in Paris today began with a quote from the artists Niki De Saint Phalle which read: "As in all fairy tales, before finding the treasure, on my way I met dragons, witches, magicians and the angel of temperance". All show goers also got a copy of Linda Nochlin essay Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists? Then there were the mirrored mosaic pieces that decorated the walls of the Musee De Rodin which allowed guests to notices themselves and each other (and also gave a beautiful hint at the mirror ball party dresses which were to follow). What was Maria Grazia Chiuri telling us?
It was a message of femininity, creativity, fearlessness and fun seen through a sixties kaleidoscope. There were polka dots and checkerboard prints, jumpsuits, mini dresses and lots of accessories (the diamanté belts particularly caught our eye) which will no doubt find their way on to the legions of Dior fan-girl wish lists come spring. A pair of gold Chinese pyjamas have gone straight to the top of ours.
Here are our top five take aways from the show:
Look to the sixties Left Bank for inspiration - think Breton tops, natty tailoring and shift dresses.
Last season's leather beret (of which there were many spotted on the front row) is replaced by a felt baker boy hat covered in netting. Can't afford the Dior option? Easily solved with a trip to the haberdashery.
Rejoice, we can keep wearing our flats. From flat black knee boots to Mary-Janes and trainers comfort - continues to reign supreme.
Here, it was reworked into double breasted-jackets and wide leg trousers to great effect.
In fact, that's a very good thing. Take a brave approach to how it's worn; think you can't wear stripes and leopard? Maria says you can and we're with her.
