The quiet life is over for Raf Simons as he witnesses the freneticism of a Dior show. High-profile guests included Princess Charlene of Monaco, Sharon Stone, Marion Cotillard, Allegra and Donatella Versace all awaited what was to be a seminal moment for the house.

The Dior house, known for its theatrical dramatics thanks to the eccentric and now disgraced John Galliano, is perhaps hoping that Simons will bring calm with the same level of creativity as his predecessor. Of course, he did just that.

Simons referenced the Dior archive by working pieces such as the Bar Jacket into trouser suits and looked to the house’s famous 1937 “New Look” with voluminous skirting. Less ostentatious than Galliano, but as Simons revealed to The Telegraph, “I’m not interested in just doing couture that works in magazine pictures. I want it to be relevant.”

– RP