Special ready-to-wear: Dior/Saint Laurent

It’s time for the most highly anticipated shows of the Summer 2013 ready-to-wear season: the first collections from Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent and Raf Simons for Dior. Both designers started in men’s fashion and they share a strict and somewhat austere vision of the world. First up: Dior.

Raf Simons recreates the spirit of Dior’s ‘new look’ of 1947,with A and H-lines and the Bar suit. But his main inspiration remains the historical context in which Christian Dior evolved.
Simons continues his hunt for psychological freedom, searching for ways to advance minimalism, a style of which he is a key player.

The extravagance of yesteryear is finished. The key now is to present fashion to new Asian clientele.

Dior held it’s show at the famed Invalides, just steps away from Napoleon 1er tomb. Saint Laurent opted for the Grand Palais. The two brands face the same challenge of successfully bringing legacy to life.

Hedi Slimane came to Saint Laurent in 1996. But it was during his time at Dior Homme that his androgynous silhouettes became iconic. Now back at Saint Laurent, he’s rediscovered the spirit of the 1970’s.

The collection ranges from safari jackets and tuxedos, to tailored black pants. It’s the style of the 1966 Rive Gauche line that launched luxury ready-to-wear.

Saint Laurent and Dior take on the same chapter in the history of fashion all the while staying in sync with the times. It's strict but above all sexy.