Fashion in Full Bloom at Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture

"I perhaps owe becoming a painter to flowers," Monet once remarked. The same might be said by John Galliano, who owed the beauty of his fall 2010 couture collection for Christian Dior to one of nature's most precious gifts: flowers.

Galliano, who researches all of his subjects with the painstaking detail of a PhD candidate, clearly spent hours studying the many variations, colors, shapes, and sizes of flowers in order to recreate them on the runway. I've never seen such a collection bursting with so many vibrant colors, textures, and details before. According to Style.com's Tim Blanks, "the fronding, the feathering, the rouching, the ruffling- all duplicated the extraordinary intricacies of flowers." Galliano left no detail undeveloped or untouched. Everything from the models' hair to their makeup was perfectly synchronized with the recreation of the flower. The collection was also cheerful; I couldn't help smile but while viewing the thirty-some looks. Saturated royal blues, fuchsia, and canary yellow lit the runway, creating a dazzling spectacle for the eyes. The backdrop of luscious orange flowers perfectly suited the mood of the clothing.

My favorite looks were the mismatched suits, dainty dresses, and floor-sweeping ball gowns that Galliano has always executed so well. They were wearable, yet imaginative and fantastical at the same time. Here are a few of my favorite looks:

Model-of-the-moment Karlie Kloss opened the show in a spectacular purple coat with Edwardian collar details. I love this coat.

For couture, I find this look remarkably wearable. Sans headpiece and bright lips, that is.

This is another look that I find wearable from head-to-toe.

What a stunning suit! Lengthen the skirt a bit and you have an ensemble that is a bona fide show-stopper.

This might just be the most perfect party dress ever created.

This ball gown is so outrageous that it strikes me as the sort of dress Marie Antoinette might have fancied.

And the stunning closing look, worn by one of my favorite models (and countrywoman!), Magdalena Frackowiak. I somehow picture this look on a Disney villain.

John Galliano created nothing short of perfection for Dior fall 2010 couture. I might never be able to look at a flower again without thinking of this stunning collection.

(** images from style.com**)