Bemused yet impressed, we contemplate the following 30 looks of seductive witches and young elves. Some highlight their surrealism with trendy tiaras; others emphasize their anonymity with stylish masks. But all of them invest in their makeup, hairdo and accessories to give Spring season a very phantasmagoric welcome party.
First, we stumble into modern descendants of Little red riding hood and Peau d’Âne. In addition to their love for the forest, they also have in common black mysterious hoods: the first is incorporated into the famous Bar jacket, the second into the velvet cape. The Navy color is a beautiful eye-catcher in the second dress.
Early on, we discover Dior’s beautiful and ambiguous masks. Although it is inspired from earth’s natural elements, it reflects a dark, out of this world impression.
Carrying on with the supernatural feel, Chiuri reproduces tarot and astrological signs on these taffeta dresses, in what may be considered a fashionable tribute to Mr. Dior’s superstitious side. Another mythological sign can be found amongst the tarot motifs: the tree of life.
Contrary to the rest of the collection, these dresses are extremely vivid, lively and contemporary: particularly with the Matelassé fabric of the red one (usually used for sportswear) and the asymmetric collar of the green one. The coat-dress fits well the natural set, as its folds reminds us of Spring leaves.
From the aristocratic countryside, comes the ultimate fresh delegate of Spring. After 1900 hours of work, Spring spirit has been captured in the raffia’s palm trees material, the plants motifs and the flowers and corn crown.
With her pastel flowers crown and four-leaf clover embroidery, this ethereal elf is the lucky charm of the forest world! The almond green transparency and falling straps are a girly ingénue touch.
Straps keep on falling to secure the ingénue feel, but each in a unique way. The first dress is sprinkled with gold and has an undefined golden and bronze color. The second is adorned with a herbarium of red flowers, making it romantically melancholic.
The black feathers crown tied with a side ribbon announces a witchy feel. However, this is not your usual witch… Elegant and simple, her black dress beautifully highlights her bosom. She contrasts femininity and originality, with her fine strap on one shoulder and her knotted feathered bandeau on the other.
Innocent witches are real: they wear black dresses with fine straps… at least, these models do! Natural elements are mixed with witchy ones: black feathers, blackberries thorns and feathery stars. The second gown is covered with lily-of-the-valley flowers, with a nude color magically subdued within the black tulle.
Rebellious yet innocent, this model celebrates Winter rather than Spring. She might be the supernatural Winter fairy, with her frozen tree crown, icy pastel color and “frosty” motifs.
Witches invent magic potions; Chiuri invents magic colors. A black point d’esprit tones down an antique rose tulle, creating a mauve dress. A similar layering yields a brown color, due to the salmon tulle. Both are adorned with pale flowers.
A closer look at the second model reveals her elaborate accessories: two miniature stars on the inside corners of her eyes echo her hair’s color. She definitely belongs to the magical forest with her black feather crown and rose and ivory flowers’ necklace.
A unique tribal woman wears her golden feather totem and lamé dress. Once again, colors are mixed, as gold is subdued by a layer of black tulle.
A Spring butterfly look-alike is what best describes this model. If her pleated dress and herbal embroideries do not convince you of her romantic superpowers, her light colors and flower crown will. The colorful crown and bold necklace (with a similar motif) add liveliness to the dreamy look.
Flowers and pastel colors distinguish another look: with her flounced skirt and pink buster, this fairy is simply otherworldly.
Blown by a cool autumnal breeze, the below lady unexpectedly arrives to our Spring ball! She carries with her various autumnal and natural symbols, such as gradient tulle of coral and peach, dead leaves crown and embroideries; and even a dragonfly-like necklace.
Chiuri experiments once again with colors and the result is mesmerizing: a nude fabric covered by a gradient tulle of navy to sky blue. The majestic ombré feathers tiara gives the model a proud peacock appearance, while the plissé dress and falling straps highlight her femininity.
At last, we understand that our mysterious forest is the Garden of Eden, an Impressionist painting of a garden, where the tempting snake contrasts with the scattered feathers drawing flowers motifs and reflecting youthful innocence.