The vibrant splash of Christian Dior’s Fall 2009 Couture reminisces of backstage, vintage Hollywood.

The vibrantly costumed models waltzed before audiences at the Avenue Montaigne headquarters this week amidst a bountiful garden backdrop.  The sharp fashions of Dior’s 2009 Fall Collection bare midcentury inspirations.  Sophisticated cuts keep the dresses current, while the brilliant hues paint a playful line.

The collection is a glamorous parade of large skirts and wide hats, but the most memorable element of the Couture show is the varying level of undress.  Between properly clad, fully attired models, half-dressed gals strutted portions of their ensemble.  Still perfectly coiffed and manicured, the exposed gals exhibited their vintage garters, hose, brassieres and lacy unmentionables to the audience.  The monochrome under-things were juxtaposed against the lavish garments in an intentioned gesture towards the semi-nudity on display.

As if the models simply forgot to pull on their last article of clothing, the classically beautiful, slightly undressed collection recalls the glamour of retro-Hollywood infused with the provocative expose of lingerie.

- lauren