Christian Dior Spring 2008 Collection: Stylized Retrospective

John Galliano put his best foot forward at his Spring 2008 collection for Christian Dior. This retrospective had a little bit of everything Galliano has become famous for over the years. The collection focused mainly on silhouettes inspired by the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Most of the pieces were more relaxed, contemporary versions of their retro predecessors. His skillful mastery of revisiting the old and making it new was best showcased in the 40s-inspired looks which managed to tone down the Joan Crawford-like padded shoulders while retaining the era's stylized feminine mystique.
The overall color palette transitioned from stark whites and blacks to fresh burnt orange pieces to animal prints to frothy pastel creations. The romanticized pieces that comprised the later half of the collection served to balance Galliano's tendency for over-the-top severity. All in all it was a fitting collection worthy of his 10th anniversary designing for the house of Dior, but, enough about the fashions. Let's jump into the world of handbags.After last seasons stunning display of boldly-colored handbags as well as the successful introduction of the Samourai Frame Bag, Dior tones it down with more appropriate spring offerings. This is not to say that neutral colors are boring. In fact, the color palette for these selections, mostly creams, whites, blacks and animal prints, was spruced up with the continuation of fall's most expensive trend - exotics.
The majority of Dior's handbags were clad in exotic skins from crocodile to ostrich. Feminine handbags and gorgeous wristlet clutches featured leather/chain link straps and slip-thru weighted closures. These bags are sure to be a hit next year, but that's not surprising coming from Dior. Now this is the way to kick off Paris Fashion Week.

Photos via Elle.com