Country Horse, City Horse

From start to finish Dior was like a nineteenth century day at the races. It all started with the sounds of a neighing, galloping horse and evolved into jodhpur-clad models donning countryside couture. Early in the show were oversized leather highwayman capes worn over chic and frilly chiffon dresses. Most of the models had on thigh-high boots in leather and suede that prevented the rest of the outfits from getting too sticky sweet.

John Galliano remained true to the 1800s time period by incorporating classic and sturdy looking plaids with tailored cropped jackets and form-fitting pencil skirts. And then, there were the hats; the beautiful assortment of hats. Newsie-caps, top hats, and everything in between.

I hope that this trend gets a lot of attention this fall. I think a hat is just as integral to an outfit as a great bag or pair of shoes. Remember the days of yore, when men couldn't go outside without a hat? JFK was the first president to be seen in public regularly without a hat, and I'm holding him responsible. Hats add a certain distinctive quality to an outfit, and allow you to personalize it.

But enough about hats, there's still more Dior!

John Galliano did a seamless job of fusing the English countryside-esque, fox hunting-inspired riding outfits with the lavish elegance of nineteenth century urban Paris. The gowns looked like a collaborative design between Josephine Bonaparte and Daisy Buchanan, which I think is a very high compliment.

The whole collection, down to the last ruffles, was divine. It was a time machine to a whimsical, rosy-colored, bygone era where people wear their Sunday best to brunch. And while the entire show was almost perfect, it was the gowns that harkened back to Dior's 1947 "New Look" roots, as they were truly luminous.