While most of France suffered from Monday blues, a few hours outside Paris, the fashion capital of the world, the Château de Versailles was buzzing with action. Handymen, decorators and landscape artists scrambled against time to transform this one-time palatial residence of Marie Antoinette into a magical world straight out of a fairy tale. The Bal des Artistes was the most anticipated fashion event of the year according to fashion critics and in true Dior style, no cost was spared in recreating cult designer, John Galliano’s unique vision.

Seeking inspiration from neo-romantic artists like Rembrandt, Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Boldini, Goya and Velazquez, Dior’s pride – Galliano – envisioned a line of ornate ensembles. Billowy fabrics twisted in delicate ruffles, rich pleats and exquisite embellishments that master tailors worked themselves to the bone for, took centre stage one by one amidst white stallions rising from a ramp that extended to about 130 metres. Royal hues of silk slithered across the floor, crystals gleamed even in the dim light of the green room, feathers fluttered around and models moved about anxiously towards make-up artist Pat Mcgrath, who painted away and hair stylist Orlando Pita who continued taming tresses till the very last moment. Mouths dropped open as modelling legends Giselle Bundchen, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Shalom Harlow paraded out in succession (to the sounds of a 20-member choir), each more beautiful than the last, their faces hiding any trace of the backstage chaos they had left behind. When the last of Galliano’s 45 haute couture interpretations of art took position on stage, the designer himself strutted out dressed as a matador. White paper butterflies showered upon the unsuspecting audience in the show’s final tribute to Puccini’s tragic romance, Madame Butterfly. ‘Ole Senor Galliano, Ole!’ – once again you have outdone yourself!

Leaving the romantic setting behind, Galliano led his 3000-odd guests into another one of his fantasies – a Hispanic-Moorish lair inspired by his recent travels to Seville, Andalucia. Spanish dancers were brought in to liven up the ambience with their sexy moves and enchanting vocals while guests washed down delicious tapas and paella with several crates of vintage wine and expensive bubbly.

Keeping with tradition, Galliano gave his groupies (Charlize Theron, Dita Von Teese, Kate Hudson, Eva Green, Jessica Alba and so many more) the experience of a lifetime. A ‘new-look’ all over again, a gala bash that went on till the wee hours of the morning – Dior turning 60 is an event that would have made Christian Dior himself proud.