PARIS, Mar 1, 2006/ FW/ --- Darkly beautiful with a touch of mystery, the Dior woman goes to the other side of dressing where Fifth Avenue is nowhere in sight and downtown, though just around the corner is on the top side.

Big dark glasses and stark eye-makeup, John Galliano explored gothic dressing for Fall 2006, making rectangular Swarovski crystal embedded buckles and crosses as the must-have accessories.

Sure, the Dior spirit is still there and readily seen in the floor length layered gowns with ruffles, the snug fitting jackets that defined a taut bodice, and the ankle-length trench coat with wide lapels then cut wide at the skirt with fur peeking out on the collar and cuffs.

But she is a different Dior woman. She no longer belongs to the mainstream; rather she has become a very willing bride to the Vampire Lestat.

And though John Galliano had brought Dior fans to different places and time, this collection stands out because it is different, exactly the reason why Goth is popular to the young.

Perhaps, it is John Galliano’s way to reach out to the younger generation, a different path taken to expand Dior’s target market’s base. Because although Dior continues to dominate fashion and up to today one of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands, the times are changing.

As it had been mentioned several times, there is a passing of the torch in U.S. demographics right now, with the baby boomers getting ready to retire and their children taking the banner as the new force in the market.

China, Japan and the rest of Asia are also booming as the new market for fashion. With that in mind, a new approach to fashion is expected and of course, imperative.

Dior by John Galliano

Dior by John Galliano

Dior by John Galliano

Dior by John Galliano