I’m feeling better about Raf Simons’ debut ready-to-wear collection for Dior than I did about his Couture show. It feels fresher, more modern, and certainly more Raf (there were even bold stripes). Although the couture show certainly had some bold color (Julianne Moore in canary yellow!), here—as a whole—it’s more Raf—unexpected and almost jarring at times. Especially when contrasting colors were popping through the undersides of drapes. Just look at this wonderful pink, yellow and black asymmetrical dress-skirt-thing (inside).

Not that the pieces without color were any less interesting. A key focus for the show was Dior’s iconic bar jacket originally designed by Christian himself. Today Raf showed it in endless variations: a short dress, embellished with pops of embroidery, and even with peplums. Peplums, still? Well, okay fine.

Makeup was embellished flawlessly with tiny crystals by the best makeup artist there is, Pat McGrath. The models were confident and teased a masculine/feminine line, but ultimately deciding for the latter. The show was in a sleek, minimal tent with white walls and sheer pink fabric billowed by bursts of air. it was a total contrast from the Couture show’s flower covered walls.

Glimpses of the couture show, no?:

Outside the venue:

Images © Sophia Neophitou, via 10 Magazine. Animated GIFs via Vandercunt.  I’ll post some more images as the become available. Check back.