Paris' rarified haute couture collections are a chance for fashion houses to pull out all the stops and showcase the savoir faire of the traditional crafts people, from embroiders to seamstresses.

 

Most designers go the easy route, smothering the clothes in sequins and rhinestones. But for spring-summer 2011, Christian Dior designer John Galliano delivered something all together more subtle.

This is the kind of work that can only happen in haute couture, where each garment requires dozens or even hundreds of hours of work and costs as much as some cars. Subtle and stunning at the same time, the Dior collection was as convincing an argument as any of the value of couture - despite the fact that only a handful of fabulously wealthy women worldwide still buy the clothes.

John Galliano, Designer, said, "I was fascinated by Rene Gruau who was a fantastic illustrator and had a great friendship with Mr. Dior. But it's the first time I've really referenced it as an inspiration to the collection. His...quizzical, curious, authoritative line, whether it be crayon, pastel or aquarelle, which... inspired me to produce new volumes, new textures; a new way of working embroideries in a much more abstracted way, inspired by his painterly strokes."

Tinkerbelle lives. She was reincarnated through haute couture at Georges Chakra in Paris, Tuesday, where every little girl's fairy princess fantasy was colorfully indulged. Satin and flowers; shimmer and gold left no playfulness to be desired.