I like it.
It is whatever it is, you know. Like Lagerfeld says, it doesn't matter how many hours that went into doing stuff, blah blah...: If is is lousy, then it is lousy at the end. So I do not care about how much 'hard work' these clothes were. This is extremely kitsch, but Galliano almost always have been. This collection doesn't make anyone 'dream' per se, like some of his other collections did, and that is what everyone's expectations are with Dior.
This collection can generate a strong perfume release and campaign, imo. It is screaming 'commercial' to me. Would be nice to see a dark ad featuring three of these girls and much more subdued styling in these undergarments selling Poison or Hypnotic Poison or something. I still do not enjoy Natasha's overworked gown, and if I had the power to destroy every leopard print fabric in the world so that Galliano could never use any anymore, I would. That leopard dress is hideously gaudy, and especially that one gown with that piece of leopard fabric attached in the middle... why really?
If he did this collection, it means it is going to sell. His actual clothes sell more than any other LVMH brand. And in the middle of this recession, who can blame him for such a presentation if he thinks it will turn in profits? I wish he could play with the styling though: so sick of the cartoon-y 50s make-up and hair. Maybe if these pieces were presented in a more modern setting and understanding, he would prevail and we would all enjoy it a lot more as a modern statement. Maybe it is as simple as that. This is couture and we are not wearing these items to appreciate the detailing. So very few do.
What we care about is the image and the presentation. He needs to shake things up with his approach to the model he presents, not just the clothes. For him, a strong look has always been a drag queen, but now I look at Ghesquiere's girls, and they look so much more confident, able and competent to me, than these 'mannequins' of 50s.