When we think Los Angeles, the first few images that come to mind, are palm trees, Hollywood, and of course Beverly Hills, but rarely do we ever associate it with desert plains smack in the middle of the mountains. And that’s what Dior did for its Cruise 2018 show, held in Calabasas, at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve at 7pm, with several hot air balloons serving as the backdrop to the runway show, when the sky was aglow in orange, creating the perfect setting during sunset.

Interestingly, the hot air balloons read “Dior Sauvage“, which, when translated, can either mean “Wild“, “Savage“, or  *gasp* “Primitive”. But, instead of making it about one or the other, and confining the collection to mean just one of the three definitions I’ve just mentioned, Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri made it an amalgamation of all 3.

Taking inspiration from one of her favourite books, Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estésd, The “Wild” side was demonstrated in the almost desert safari kind of vibe, as well as the feeling of the Wild Wild West, with the cowboy hats and the stampede strings that were used to fasten the hat under the chin, embroidered knit ponchos, and the fringe details. The “Savage” bit was obvious in the artwork depicting the deer, gazelle, oxen, and horses which gave of a feeling of power and movement because it was as if they were caught while on the hunt in the wild — this was in fact a reinterpretation of Monsieur Dior’s 1951 Ovale line, which were reappropriated from rock paintings, into the collection. And, lastly, the “Primitive” aspect was reflected in the prairie dresses that were distinctly dated, yet at once modern at the same time.

The Verdict: I have to say though, that although there were still some hints of the Valentino aesthetic with the embroidered tulle and sheer organza skirts and dresses, it seems as if Chiuri is really coming into her own, and finally able to more or less successfully shake off that Valentino influence since she took over the creative helm at Dior. Kudos, and I can’t wait to see more!!

P.S. If you missed Dior Cruise 2018 live, you can still watch the FULL show via the on-demand video service right here! 

Images courtesy of Dior