2009 Spring Couture: Christian Dior

John Galliano continues to turn talisman with his 2009 Spring Couture collection for Christian Dior. Tending to a fully packed house, the designer showed a collection filled with whimsy and Victorian influences. Billowing layers of silk taffeta were curled, ruched, and swirled to create a decadent collection of frocks. I like how Galliano played with hemlines, cutting some short at the knee and leaving some long enough to grace the floor. My favorites were the dresses that incorporated both sides of the spectrum.

Another recurring theme was the abundance of shoulder pouf. Here, he embellished with sheer, puffy organza and intricate floral designs — some of them looked like wallpaper Marie Antoinette herself would have chosen. For accessories, the designer adorned his models in equally gregarious silk hats worn over pouffy hair and dramatic makeup. Amazing, simply amazing.