Dance of the Dior Man

Dutch-English men's fashion journal, Fantastic Man, and Kris Van Assche for Dior Homme have collaborated for a series of hip-hop and pop-jazz dance videos as part of their campaign for the fashion house's Autumn/Winer 2013 Menswear collection. The series, called "Rotation" is an obvious hit at the younger luxury fashion conscious market, especially with the use of energising EDM music produced by Simon Britton and Cliff Randall.

Another element that contributes to the series' appeal to the younger generation is the titles of each film. They all have one thing in common - they inspire. Titles including "100% Every Day", "Whatever It Takes" and the awe-inspiring "Work Hard, Change History" push the no doubt young gentlemen who watch to achieve their ambitions and dreams, a positive message amongst the negative impression fashion sometimes gives.

Follow this link to watch the films

Images and videos courtesy of the official Christian Dior Youtube Channel

David Jones' 175 Year History

Left to right: A recreation of Dior's "New Look", Woolmark Prize winner Dion Lee and Carla Zampatti's houndstooth dress

Dior press clippings

The historically prestigious Australian department store, David Jones, has marked their 175th Anniversary with a wonderful visual story about their fashionable history. Unbeknownst to some people, the friendships David Jones himself built with the many fashion designers, artists, graphic designers, royalty and political figures in our time and times past have built the high pedestal which the department store stands upon.

The archives of the department store are now open, giving people a chance to see who have contributed to the past and continuing success of David Jones. The exhibition gives thanks to artists such as Auguste Rodin, famous fashion photographer Max Dupain, and luxury fashion designers Pierre Cardin and Christian Dior, by showing their most coveted contributive work to the department store. Seeing the store's diverse history, particularly their involvement in World War II, playing host to Queen Elizabeth II's Australian banquet in 1954, and their questionable yet successful in-store zoo, makes you soak in the true grandeur of David Jones.

The exhibition is now on Level 7, David Jones Sydney (Elizabeth St. store) until June 23rd

For more information on the exhibition, head to What's On at David Jones

Photography by Christoffer Aguilar

SUBSCRIBE

Raf Simons x Mr. Porter

 Following the archival editorial and once-in-a-lifetime sale of nostalgic Raf Simons pieces, the famed designer has collaborated with Mr. Porter for a capsule collection, heavily influenced by the juxtaposition of mechanical silhouttes with natural and organic prints. With neutrality and vividness clashing, the collection is wearable throughout the year, catering to both seasonal changes and paying homage to his signature minimal style. Raf Simons' long relationship with the luxury men's retailer has been reignited, offering fashion-conscious men a chance to don rare pieces from the Dior Creative Director.

To shop the collection, CLICK HERE

Images courtesy of Mr. Porter

Dior's Frontier Cruise Collection

Monaco paved way for the historically modern Dior to unleash their Resort/Pre-Spring/Summer 2013/14 collection in a Bauhaus-inspired setting to wide critical acclaim, yet keeping the event relatively low-key. The dreariness of the Monaco weather surprisingly highlighted the bright modernity of the collection, and making Raf's first use of lace within a Dior collection much more apparent. 

Classic Dior combinations of bright with neutral was a given, but the appearance of gradient neon accessories was a sign of Raf Simons' influence. A hybrid of the "New Look" skirt and structured pants would've no doubt caught the attention of many who attended, followed by the collared crop tops, which will surely be trickled down to youth fashion.

Metallics, sheer and of course, lace, appeared throughout the collection, and in clashes. Clashing lace with shapely panels of a multitude of colours in simplistic dresses once again presented Raf's ability to make simple garments much more dynamic. Bent heels on scarpins, luscious silk ensembles and masculine sunglasses created more depth in what would be a potential brush-off collection. Overall, Raf showed an exploration of the possibilities of bringing a more non-prejudice approach to fashion, which is completely relevant to the modern society's ethos.

To view the complete collection, CLICK HERE

Images courtesy of ModelsJam and Purple Magazine

The Dior Man

The Dior man is quintessentially an embodiment of the Dior woman - modern, sleek, and contemporary, with a shadowy rebelliousness both seen and unseen. Dior Homme's latest fashion film brings us an intense insight into the style, personality and world of this man.

Kris Van Assche has conveyed his message of what a Dior man truly is - casual and cool. Of course, "cool" changes according to context, but how can impeccably tailored and structural style not make one so? The Dior Homme Fall/Winter 2013/14 collection brings this man's style into your wardrobe, allowing to channel your alternatively cool side simply through well-made clothing. Don't hesitate, walk into the world of the Dior man...

To view the Dior Homme Fall/Winter 2013 fashion film, head to the official Dior Youtube channel HERE

Images courtesy of Esquire, GQ, Fandiz and Metatube

A Look Into Raf's Archive

Raf Simons Autumn/Winter 2005 Double-Breasted Coat 

Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2006 Perforated Hoodie

Raf Simons is a diamond in the rough, being trained in industrial design rather than fashion, but that had no impact on his rise to the top of the fashion world. Once being the Creative Director for the minimal queens label, Jil Sander, and now directing Christian Dior's Haute Couture and Ready to Wear, and of course his own label, his ability to warp the silhouette of both men and women is unsurpassed. A look into what he has designed in the past and its relevance today is fascinating - the skinny trouser, double breasted coat and androgynous pieces a prevalent trend amongst the fashion conscious today. His influence on fashion often goes unnoticed, but it is clear to see the trickling down of his panelled shirting, sports luxe pieces, and crisp leather sneakers throughout the crowds. His return to the luxury fashion retailer, LN-CC, is now being celebrated with an insight into the archives of his bewildering designs.

Raf Simons Autumn/Winter 2004 Short Sleeve Crew, Spring/Summer 2005 Raised Seam Pants

Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2002 High Collar Jacket, Autumn/Winter 2005 Relaxed Sweat Shorts

Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2003 Extended Hood

For the complete archival editorial, CLICK HERE

Images courtesy of Manuscript and LN-CC

Lady Dior

 

Dior's repertoire has certainly risen since Raf Simons' inception into the label, and the new Lady Dior campaign is proof of this. The beautifully demure French actress, Marion Cotillard poses as the Dior woman - striking and mysterious with an air of sophistication about her. The modernistic Dior aesthetic of Raf's ensemble are juxtaposed against the dainty and colourful Lady Dior bags, but complete the signature Dior look. Shot by the wonderful Jean-Baptiste Mondino, this understated campaign is an eye-catching blip in the rapidly changing fashion industry.

Model - Marion Cotillard, French actress

Photography - Jean-Baptiste Mondino

Images courtesy of the official Dior Facebook page

To view the complete campaign in Dior magazine, CLICK HERE

Scent of the Simple Man

The French Riviera is embodied and renewed from the Dior archives in the elegantly simple "Cologne" from Dior Homme. This classic scent from the Fashion House has now been redesigned to fit the contemporary, futuristic vision of Kris Van Assche, the Creative Director of Dior Homme, yet staying true to the "timeless freshness of the musk, citrus and cottony notes of the original scent" (Dior, 2013). To support the release of the new design, Dior has also created "Dior Mag" (link below), highlighting the origins and history of the scent and its stance in men's grooming today, and a bright, summery Fashion Film refining the chic simplicity of the scent (watch below). With the current reign over fashion that Dior has been given, this modern revival of Dior Homme Cologne will truly bring men's grooming a modern twist.

To read about the origins and history of Dior Homme Cologne, CLICK HERE

Video courtesy of the official Dior Youtube Channel

Images courtesy of the official Dior Facebook page

Dior's inexplicable beauty

The up and coming King of Fashion - Raf Simons

Raf Simons first Haute Couture collection was a sight to behold, but he has once again proven why he is the future of fashion. His second Haute Couture collection for Dior is, as I said in the headline, inexplicably beautiful. The sparkly lips, bold colours, the flattering and fun silhouettes, the sheer cleanliness of the collection - what a feast for the senses. How a man can incorporate the true Dior aesthetic and incorporate it with his distinguishable minimalist vision to design a collection for the modern Dior woman I will never know.

View the collection HERE

All images courtesy of Fashionising

Paris Men's Fashion Week, Day 1

Paris - the city of fashion. There is no better place to end the menswear weeks than in the one place where fashion is the pinnacle of life.The first day saw shows from Lucien Pellat Finet, Alibellus+, Julien David, Y Project, Carven, Walter Van Beirendonck, John Lawrence Sullivan, and Mugler.

My favourite shows/collections from the first day include Raf Simons, Valentino and Christian Lacroix.

Raf Simons Autumn/Winter 2013

Here it is, a preview of Raf Simons' anticipated first menswear collection for the season. After the success he has experienced as Creative Director for Jil Sander and now for the womenswear division at Dior, his influence has stretched once again to Adidas, who have collaborated with the designer or his Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, releasing less alienable, more wearable shoes. The collection is true Raf, simple, neat and clean designs with a hint of rebelliousness, and complements the aesthetics of his Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

View the collection HERE

Christian Lacroix Autumn/Winter 2013

The crisp cleanliness of Christian Lacroix's latest collection is undeniable. Timeless and well-fitted garments such as trousers, jeans and leather derby shoes go hand-in-hand with the slightly bold checked coats, printed sweaters and furry varsity jackets.

View the collection HERE

Valentino Autumn/Winter 2013

Valentino's ability to keep up with the times and maintain their illustrious name is admirable. The collection boasts their skill in fusing old and new for the future, with digital hound's tooth prints on coats, leather panels on classic tailored blazers and jackets, grid-like quilted jackets, leather blazers and varsity jackets and modernized tartan prints all go together, with each look finished with a pair of smart, yet edgy, studded leather brogues or boots. A collection for the classic yet modern gentleman by a timeless label.

View the collection HERE

Watch the fashion show HERE

All images courtesy of Fashionising