March 13, 2012

Dior- Balancing Legacy and Modernity

Courtesy of L’Officiel Juin-Juillet 2010 (Scans by me)

Since so many readers are self professed Dior girls,” I thought I would share a little Dior inspiration. While tucked into a flight on my way back from Paris I came across these images from Christian Dior’s Creative Director of Accessories- Camille Miceli’s Paris atelier. I remember neatly tearing the pages out and placing them into my carry on, knowing they would make their way into my inspiration binders. I’ve constantly returned to this article to look at the wonderful sketches, objects, photographs and inspirational motifs that Miceli’s moodboard is comprised of. It’s less about a love of Dior, and more about the careful consideration that’s given to researching the past, perusing the archive and taking classic Dior iconography and making it modern.

At a time when there are so many questions about succession at several storied fashion houses, (including Dior) and an emphasis on finding the right designer or team that can honor the legacy of the house, while designing something relevant; Miceli’s designs stand out. I appreciate that she designs with the house at the forefront of her mind, visiting markets, Dary’s (a favorite of mine) and local craftsmen. 

As Miceli has said “Dior is about a silhouette. I wanted to create a range of bold, feminine and desirable jewelry with a couture feel. It has to be classic, but with a modern twist- I have always liked breaking rules.” Pearls are a recognizable Christian Dior motif and a starting point for Miceli, but she intertwines a multitude of materials (my favorites being grosgrain ribbon, lurex and ceramics) with the traditional. 

As for this idea of breaking the rules, I truly admire women who aren’t afraid to take their careers in exciting new direction. After eight years as the Chanel’s French Public Relations Director and a decade heading up communications at Louis Vuitton, Miceli began to crave the opportunity to creatively express her self. She took the opportunity when Marc Jacobs presented it to design jewelry to accompany the collections without formal training, but with a passion for the design process, which ultimately served as an apprenticeship for her current role. It’s an important reminder to constantly evaluate one’s goals.

PS- I love the diversity of the inspiration here- Michael Jackson dancing, Avedon and Newton photographs, the Lanvin fan, a Lucien Freud book... 

14 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing these pictures. So beautiful and love Camille!

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    1. Thea vintage- They're really beautiful and evoke such a mood. I love Camille too. She has such clear personal style that in many ways isn't very "Dior" but understands that it should be first and foremost about the house. I think a lot of designers forget this.

      Oh, I'm really terrified of dogs, but the dog in your picture is cute:)

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  2. Although I am guilty of wearing the same jewelry every single day, I must say those pieces in the pictures are gorgeos! I like how they're feminine but not too stevia-and-honey-sweetened-chocolate-girly. Also loving the inspiration pin board - sometimes it surprises me how diverse the spring of inspiration can be and I feel like one's collection of inspiration pictures and nick nacks gives away a bit of one's true spirit.

    And a bit off topic with the whole jewelry going on in the pictures, but I just LOVE Camille's outfit, it's right up my alley!

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    1. Florina- I'm the same way. I'll wear the same jewelry that I love and am very attached to for weeks even months at a time and then I'll switch it out.

      I agree, these pieces could eassily be too feminine and sweet, but she's got edge to her personal style and designs. It makes it interesting and modern.

      The warm hues of the inspiration board and jewelry are really soothing. It's so interesting to see where people get their inspiration from. I feel like this board really feels quite personal.

      Oh yes, her outfit is perfect. It's 70 degrees here and I can't help but think that this outfit is exactly what I would love to be earing right now.

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  3. Oh I love this post for so many reasons. Love Ms Miceli's style and these snapshots are so great. Absolutely inspiring.

    May I suggest a monthly series on inspiring women? It's such a great subject!

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    1. Ammu- Thank you. When I was writing this I was thinking the same thing. I love her spirit and energy. I like how candid she is about having a high powered job at Chanel and later Louis Vuitton and knowing deep down that she needed to be doing something creative. It just seems very brave... Kudos to Marc Jacobs for nurturing her creativity. Oh and yes, her style is lovely.

      Yes, please make suggestions:) I think it's a great subject and one that I find most inspiring. I have something in the works (slowly coming together), but a think a monthly series would be a wonderful addition to the blog.

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  4. I simply like her outfit ! Wow, the pearl necklace is gorgeous ! :)

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    1. Ms P- Sometimes it's about the simple things. I like her outfit too.

      The pearl necklace is so pretty!!!

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  5. Thanks for sharing these! I'm confused though, is Victoire de Castellane still designing for Dior? Is hers a different line?

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    1. Lin- You're welcome:) Victoire de Castellane designs fine jewelry for Dior. Camille designs fashion and fine costume jewelry for Dior. Although I think Dior really blurs the lines and has changed my opionion on what constitutes fashion/costume jewelry, which is interesting.

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  6. Beautiful jewelry! I spy a perfect necklace on the left in the top photo. :) Pears and chain look so good together.

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    1. Ginta- I know! I wouldn't mind adding a necklace or two:) I agree, pearls with chains do look good together. It really balances things out the sweetness.

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  7. I often have to take the time to savor your post because it's so beautifully written. Camille Miceli has accomplished so much in such a short space of time.

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    1. Chocolate, Cookies & Candies- That's so sweet, thank you! I'm glad you take time out to savor the small things.

      My goodness, Camille Miceli has accomplished a lot. It makes me feel motivated and inspired.

      Oh I owe you an email- I haven't forgotten:)

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