Hi-ho sailor! Proving no destination is too remote, John Galliano’s entertaining Dior show embarked on a voyage in search of a South Sea island paradise. Or a South Pacific naval base (Karlie Kloss playfully saluted the photographers in her opening look). Spring was a mix of marine themes, from Marlon Brando’s “On the Waterfront” and Polynesia to the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, “South Pacific” and Rainer Fassbinder’s 1982 film, “Querelle.” Done up in ode to Bettie Page, the models walked on a runway set up to mimic a rusting slipway set against a harborside piled high with wood pieces and enjoyably showed off the nautical jackets, sailors’ hats and palm tree prints. The practical cotton sailor pants and khakis only further emphasized Galliano’s point. For an added touch of whimsy, the sarong gowns were puntucated with colorful leis, making for an upbeat and highly-wearable collection that bore some coveted accessories. As is always the case, the eveningwear was effortless and sublime. Orchid, hibiscus and frangipani-print chiffons in juicy shades of teal, yellow, orange and hot pink were embroidered with feathers, beads, mother-of-pearl and shells–much of shredded into “hula” skirt ribbons. It made for a fabulously uplifting finale.
