So glad I'm not the only one with far higher expectations...
"Originally Posted by AudiEC
...But should we fault Galliano for making us dream?"
I do see your point, but I find that the original Art makes us dream more, not so much Dior HC, and that's the problem - it could have been more than crude replicas of costumes with this "theme", it could have been true Haute Couture. I'd rather see fewer but more inspiring dresses, and the buzz/talk about the astonishing new work and innovative design ideas in haute couture rather than about supermodels, which model is which character in the famous paintings or the drama of Versailles, a pretty tawdry palace, btw.
Although it is true that art was more representative before the Impressionists, the art pieces that achieved greatness are more subversive with very interesting methods and decisions by the artists - eg. David, the ultimate classicist, was really a "propaganda" artist pioneering image techniques still used today (I'll elaborate more if you're interested but off-topic here...), Vermeer's genius was in his study and understanding of light and how it affects colors, textures, sheen, etc. That's real dreaming and revelry, I find. Each a genius in his own world such that a whole HC collection could have been based on each one of their methods, if a fashion designer really plumbs the depths rather than giving a superficial interpretation. In the end, it's so much $$$$ and talent all for so very little in terms of furthering fashion, an art in its own right, and isn't Haute Couture all about this art in its highest form?
I've given up on Galliano for a few seasons now, hoping in vain he'll go for substance rather than hype, but again, I'm disappointed.
As Dior is a BIG advertiser, you won't find any fashion journalist risking their necks to critically assess the designs, but at least as one of the proletariat, I can, heheh!!