The Albany Gazette - Dior mocks sexist stereotypes at Paris Fashion Week

The new collection included outfits that matched the billowing silhouette of the British queen's midnight-blue silk dress.

"I'm very happy to have had this chance. These are historic moments," Dior's creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri said of her royal appointment.

For the ready-to-wear collection, she plastered the walls with fake ads playing on sexist slogans from the past, such as "Save your marriage -- iron properly" and "Put on a stunning makeup to make up with your man".

The Italian designer told AFP the clothes were inspired by the "world of witches, and stereotypes around them from our childhood, as well as the stereotypical image of Parisian women.

"These stories influence the way we see ourselves," she added.

Among the stars in the front row were actors Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson.

Despite the bright fuschia and yellow backdrop of the show, the outfits were largely sombre with comfortable, breezy items alongside straight masculine jackets, pleated skirts and plenty of knitwear.

Dior's emblematic mille-fleurs motif was transformed into a contrasting floral X-ray in black and white.

"I like to give this idea of evanescence through fabrics," said Chiuri.

(F.Schuster--BBZ)