Best Dressed From Dior’s 2017 Cruise Show At Blenheim Palace

Published on1st June 2016 at 11.09am

With the Orient Express temporarily re-named the 'Diorent Express', it was all aboard to Blenheim Palace for Dior's Cruise 2017 Collection Show yesterday.

An overtly grand location it might seem to some, but the luxury brand and British palace have a long-standing association, one that dates back some 60-odd years...

In 1954, the Duchess of Marlborough asked Monsieur Christian Dior to exhibit his Autumn/Winter couture collection there in aid of the British Red Cross. The French designer agreed and duly exhibited over 100 designs – to a 'mere' 1,500-strong audience, which included Princess Margaret.

Following his sudden death in 1957 however, the special relationship between fashion house and, err, treasure house continued.

Dior's new designer, an unknown 21-year-old called Yves Saint Laurent (heard of him?), presented another collection there in 1958.

Fast-forward to today, and in spite of the fact Dior has yet to name a new Creative Director – following the departure of Raf Simons last October – the brand continues to upkeep the very special bond with the palace.

And so it was that on Tuesday, stars from Kate Beckinsale to Gemma Arterton, and Eva Herzigova to Erin O'Connor, arrived in force in Oxfordshire to see Dior's English interwar-inspired collection – designed by Simons' former assistants, Serge Ruffieux and Lucie Meier.

Flecked with English eccentricity, the collection included rosebud florals, hunt-themed prints, silk tea dresses and jacquard knits – worn by a legion of models, including model-of-the-moment, Miss Bella Hadid.

Want to see the talent both off and on the runway for yourself?

Check out the best dressed by clicking through the gallery below...