PARIS, Jan 24, 2007/ FW/ --- If we are playing a rating game, John Galliano scored a ‘10’ on his 10th anniversary at Christian Dior in an exquisite interpretation of Puccini’s ‘Madama Butterfly.’

In the same way that the opera, which today is now a classic, still takes our breath away, John Galliano, after a decade of exhilarating rollercoaster rides continues to tantalize and titillate our senses.

That the clothes are inspired by the Japanese costume in general and the geisha apparel in particular, including the elaborate make up is apparent from the first exit shown - a bright pink two-piece suit with origami collar and pockets, embellished with beading and embroidery, strategically placed on the sleeves, lapel and front of the skirt.

All through the 45 exits shown, Galliano stayed true to this theme, even when he took his bow dressed as Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton, the husband of Madama Butterfly.

From the stage set decorated with cherry blossoms, to the complex headdresses of fans and parasols to the origami-inspired embellishments, the intensive research done to make this collection as accurate as possible with regards to the theme and the Japanese costume cannot be denied.

Take the traditional Japanese geta for example. It was turned into platform shoes, while today’s platform shoes were made to look like geisha shoes with their intricate decorations.

The Japanese art of paper folding, not just origami were used in fabric, instituting the skill that had been passed down from artist to artist. Even the traditional Japanese signs of good luck such as the golden carp made it on one of the gowns.

That every exit shown is wearable and that both daywear and eveningwear were represented, makes this collection a perfect TEN!

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Christian Dior