In The Midst Of Doomsday Headlines, Céline Dion Is The Perfect Distraction For Us All

There are many terrible things happening in the world right now. Coronavirus has caused global pandemonium, Donald Trump is somehow still President, and it looks like another storm is on its way. Along with every other devastating thing that’s going on (the Lizzie Maguire reboot cancellation – here’s looking at you), you’d be quite easily forgiven for falling into a stupor of sadness and casual nihilism. But before succumbing to the utter doom and gloom of what feels like the end-of-days, please remember this very important fact: Céline Dion exists.

Ms Céline, Ms Dion, She Whose Heart Will Go On, is currently on the American leg of her Courage tour (which is her 12th English language album and the 27th studio album in her repertoire, by the way) and is, quite frankly, living her best life and providing us all with the inspiration to do the same, no matter how dark ahead the days may seem.

This is not to be flippant about the current situation – of course we should all be sensible and take measures to protect the health of ourselves and those around us – but rather to remember that moments of levity can truly transform a terrible day.

While bad news and bad vibes can leave us all feeling dejected and lethargic on an almost daily basis, we need only scroll through the latest photos from Celine’s pavement catwalks to give us a very welcome distraction. The doyenne of style is renowned for wearing everything from the most exquisite haute couture to the slickest streetwear with equal aplomb. With her most recent fashion tour-de-force, she isn’t just serving style inspiration but also reminding us all just to have a bit of fun. Not all heroes wear capes, but in this case, she does.

On Saturday, she stepped out in a head-to-toe Peter Do (a recently announced finalist for the LVMH Prize) ensemble from the AW20 collection, in a shade of pink so bright that we thought about wearing those special glasses you get to look at the sun during an eclipse. As if that wasn’t enough, Céline teamed the oversized blazer with not just a pair of wide-leg flared trousers, and not just a high-waisted, pleated, knee-length skirt, but with both. Corona cares be damned, the impending economic crash has been left on read. Céline Dion has fashion rules to break and looks to serve.

And that’s just one of many looks that she has been delivering lately. She gave us Robin Hood vibes in a Michael Kors caped plaid ensemble complete with feather-trimmed hat, and also channelled Carrie Bradshaw in AW20 Oscar de la Renta, pairing a cable knit sweater with a voluminous floral-patterned skirt and accessorising the look with a bouquet of pink flowers (obviously). Proving her fashion chops (not that they need any more proving, to be honest), Céline has also stepped out in a striking 60s-inspired mod coat and matching tights from the Moncler x Richard Quinn collaboration, hit the streets in a logoed Gucci tracksuit, braved the cold in a fur-trimmed puffer coat from Balenciaga, turned it up in 70s-inspired Marc Jacobs with a yellow jumper, orange coat and red velvet trousers, and greeted fans in an oversized utilitarian Prada vest with matching joggers and flouro trainers. There is not a colour, garment, cut or embellishment that Céline has not warmly welcomed into her camp style and worn the hell of it.

Speaking to British Vogue, Céline’s “image architect” (read: stylist) Law Roach said of the chanteuse’s irreverent approach to dressing: “Céline doesn’t care what people say, because she’s dressing for herself and what makes her feel good…The by-product is that her confidence makes the entire world feel happy.” And in times like these, that’s a lesson we could all do with learning. Against all the odds – against the viruses, the politics, the rampant inequality that still pervades every facet of our society – we must cling to whatever little glimmers of hope and joy that make us and those around just a little bit happier and the world a bit brighter.

Oh, and wash your hands.

SEE: Celine Dion's Instagram Life Lessons Worth Paying Attention To