Dior Haute Couture Autumn Winter 2016-17 Collection Decoded

The Dior ateliers were the foundation, part of the inspiration and the location for their latest collection. Shown at the couture salons of 30 Avenue Montaigne, the Christian Dior haute couture collection for Autumn Winter 2016-2017 was a tribute to the house’s legacy of excellent craftsmanship. Bare white rooms were swathed in gilded panels, adding a contemporary edge to a historic space and setting.

For the clothes themselves, the colour palette was confined to black and white — with Lucie Meier and Serge Ruffieux deciding to forgo using colour in order to let structure and shape shine. The contrast of black and white was also chosen to symbolise the duality and harmony of the two designers and their efforts to balance the feminine and masculine, the modern and the historic.

The Bar jacket was the recurring motif of the collection. The full skirt and hourglass jacket of the New Look were re-interpreted not just in their silhouette but also in their construction — making them lighter and more contemporary. Gold and silver embellishments were the only form of decoration and colour added to heighten the glamour of the collection. Despite this being haute couture, and the designers emphasising on structure, the collection had an easy-going vibe, which we think will appeal more to a younger audience than the typical haute couture client.

What goes into the making of the collection: 

Get the beauty look by Peter Phillips:

1. Eyes – For the show, eyeliner was in different shapes to suit each model’s look and face. Create a graphic shape for your eyes using the precision of DiorShow Pro-liner in Pro Black, or depending on the desired shape, Diorshow Artpen in Catwalk Black.
For the gold eyeliner, use the Dior Addict Fluid in Shadow Phenix, applied with a brush in broad gold colour-blocking, to obtain a dramatic, gold, textured effect.”

2. Complexion – Create a fresh, natural complexion using Diorskin Forever & Ever Wear Primer then Diorskin Forever Fluid Foundation. As a finishing touch, sweep Diorskin Forever & Ever Control Loose Powder over the face, followed by a gentle touch of DiorBlush Edition Splendor n° 671 on the cheeks.

3. Lips – Dab on some Fix It to even out the lip colour, then apply a blend of Lip Glow Pomade and Lip Glow Pink for soft shine.

Timelapse of the set construction: