Dior’s cruise show draws celebrity crowd before Cannes

THEOULE SUR MER, France (AP) — With stunning views of the French Riviera and the spatial brilliance of the famed “Bubble House” as a backdrop, Dior faced some serious competition for the best visuals at its cruise show Monday night.

But the fashion house did not disappoint, presenting a collection both abstract and traditional, filled with bold colors and asymmetrical designs.

The cruise show was back on the Riviera after showing in Brooklyn last spring. This year, Dior selected the Palais Bulles owned by fashion designer Pierre Cardin, nestled in the mountain tops outside of Cannes, which plays host to the film festival that kicks off Wednesday.

The celluloid set was there in all its glory: Oscar winner Marion Cotillard, Zoe Kravitz, Theresa Palmer and Dakota Fanning. Cardin joined them at the intimate show, staged in one of the outdoor spaces of his mansion.

Dior creative director Raf Simons said the collection was inspired by the Riviera, and the looks of some of the dresses reflected the brilliant blues and greens of the ocean, made metallic in a multicolored skirt and a matching dress. There were fashions for a casual beach day and more formal events, and some that required a very specific occasion — a green tweed knitted hot pants body suit, for example.

Fanning was among those impressed by show.

“I liked the short flouncy dresses and skirts,” she said. “I always look at things that are short because I’m a shorter girl and I can’t wear the things those really tall girls wear.”

She was even more awed by the setting.

“It’s amazing. It’s so great to be in this location. It’s really kind of crazy,” she said. “It’s really cool to be here.”

After it got dark, there was one more dazzling visual display –a fireworks show.

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