PARIS, Oct 1, 2007 / FW / --- Before Madonna, there was Marlene Dietrich, who during her 50-year career as an entertainer has constantly reinvented herself to put herself in history with the American Film Institute ranking Dietrich No. 9 amongst the Greatest Female Stars of All Time.

Dietrich it seems is a Galliano favorite, wherein just four years ago, the British-born designer was also inspired by the German-born actress. And while Spring 2004 was a high-energy collection that featured sensuous silver fox stoles that were wrapped around the shoulders, and ingenious body suits decorated as tattoos were worn beneath fluttering flamenco dresses, and shredded skirts, the Spring 2008 collection is docile wherein quiet elegance was highlighted.

Three-piece pin-stripe suits, a signature look of Marlene Dietrich, together with slinky silver gown with a silver fox wrap, zebra striped floor length frock layered over with a brief jacket, John Galliano’s 21st century Dietrich is graceful and polished.

And while the famous Hollywood actress was considered a rebel during her heydays, Galliano’s vision of her is ‘establishment’ although there was certainly a touch of androgyny in the collection.

Beautiful as is, the collection also shows another facet of John Galliano, which is a more calm and reserved, which is another surprise to the audience, by the way.

Dior by John Galliano

Dior by John Galliano

Dior by John Galliano

Dior by John Galliano