PARIS, Oct 5,2004/ FW/ --- Today at the Jardin des Tuileries, after seven years of taking Dior to an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, the British-born designer changed his tempo and sent out a free-spirited 1970s inspired collection that is both romantic and artistic, that just takes your breath away for its freshness and unexpectedness.

Call it John Galliano’s seven-year at Dior as he did a 180 degree turn and presented a very wearable and very beautiful collection instead of a turbo-charged and high-energy catwalk show that is usually a treasure hunt for Dior fans.

Instead of peeling off layers to find the delicious treat as what John Galliano had done for the past 7 years, retail buyers and the press were greeted with the real prize immediately as stripy hose, frilly miniskirts, snug fitting jackets, frilly gowns and embroidered cocktail dresses paraded on the runway.

With a remix of John Lennon’s imagine on the soundtrack, John Galliano delivered another surprise, a subtle political message for peace, a doll-like model with her blond frizzy hair and summer hat came out wearing a shirt that says, “Dior not War.”

In this propitious moment, what comes to mind is Christian Dior himself, who launched his now famous house in 1947, a few years after World War II and created “The New Look” that revolutionized the way women dresses.

The House of Dior has since then been identified as part of the healing process that occurred after a dark page in history.

John Galliano’s delicate handling of an explosive political situation showed another facet of his personality in this collection, compassion and sensitivity. And although this collection might not have the same impact in history as Christian Dior’s “New Look,” it’s definitely another one for the history books and another winning hand for John Galliano and in turn the House of Dior.

Dior by John Galliano

Dior by John Galliano

Dior by John Galliano

Dior by John Galliano