The Career of John Galliano

If you've got the time, watch this fascinating documentary about John Galliano. From his humble beginnings at Central Saint Martins to Anna Wintour putting her weight behind his talent. Then see how he was hired as the creative force for Givenchy and finally promoted to head designeer at Christian Dior.

Christian Lacroix Fall '09 Couture

One of the most wearable couture collections Christian Lacroix has ever created, this season's last couture installment was possibly a commercial plee for financial backing. The Lacroix business went into administration and all but 12 workers were laid off. (Due to legal issues, the models had to be paid and were reportedly paid €50 each.) The ateliers loyal to Christian donated their time in order to pull off a collection to follow (though by no means match) the opulent fantasies he has been creating since 1987.

As the whole audience stood in ovation for him walking out with a model donning his bridal creation, Christian (who had personally financed the collection himself) stated, "I didn't want to cry. I want to continue, maybe in a different way, with a small atelier. What I really care about is the women who do this work."

Without access to extravagant hues and embellished materials, he pared the collection back to mainly black and midnight blue (a huge trend when placed together for Fall '09), concentrating on shape and wearability. 

Christian Dior Fall '09 Couture

Having seen behind-the-scenes photographs of Dior himself dressing his models more than half a century ago, John Galliano took his couture collection back to the more intimate Christian Dior headquarters. The result was a show reminiscent of how the clothes were traditionally presented to clients and the press in the 'New Look' 1950s era. 
A cross between 'My Fair Lady', 'and 'Moulin Rouge' , half dressed models strutted with definite emphasis on their undergarments.

Model's Muse.

This Vogue video is basically an unbelievable who's who of the fashion world - Intimate interviews with all the A-list guests who attended the Metropolitan Museum of Art's gala celebrating 'The Model as Muse' exhibition. 

Secret world of Haute Couture.

A tutor told me about this documentary. After spending hours searching for it on the bbc website and more I finally found it on the most obvious place: youtube. It was a real eye opener to the passion, the work force and the priviledged few who that could afford to splash out $100,000 on a bespoke dress.

The idea of spending this stupendous amount of money on a garment that would be rarely worn, made me question my morals on how it could be justified. Watch for yourself to see, I'm glad to see some of these woman are philanthropists and also donate the dresses to museums.

Watch to see Karl Lagerfield taking you through the process of concept right through to customer purchase of an astonishingly beautiful white feather haute couture dress. Amazingly, this BBC documentary also includes Valentino himself and John Galliano!

It's in 6 parts, but it's worth it.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih6SITik-40