At first glance some might say David Dixon’s “Escape to Jakarta” collection looked more like a resort line than [Canadian] winter. And rightfully so. Pale skin is the last thing you want brushed up against Rita Tesolin’s breathtaking coral and sterling silver jewellery, designed exclusively for Dixon’s show. On second thought, we’re talking about David Dixon here; the storyteller, the dreamer, the guy who imbues his collections with a seamless fantasy in every tiny hemline.
Boy needs a vacation though. After sixteen years, his only escape has involved running his fingers through exotic, luxury fabrics, most of which proved to be the strength of the Jakarta collection.
Celebrating his sweet sixteen, Dixon started with an unconventional retrospective of the milestone collections he’s debuted over the years. What was surely sentimental for the designer, surprisingly had some people in tears – or at least that’s what their tweets said. Token beauties such as Melissa Molson and Camille, the face of his seminal Barbie collection, wore the famous pieces from the Dixon oeuvre like the black dress with hand painted aluminum strips and the signature fuscia pink strapless ‘50s inspired dress.
Boy needs a vacation though. After sixteen years, his only escape has involved running his fingers through exotic, luxury fabrics, most of which proved to be the strength of the Jakarta collection. Dixon’s shtick is predictably beautiful. Design dichotomies get along just fine here: Structured busts and collars complement soft, draping lines; voluminous skirts and gowns have tailored details, and where Dixon simplifies the silhouette he adds intricacy through texture and colour. This time around textures came in the form of leather polka dot georgette, leather and lace appliqué, sequin and white leather paillettes and boiled wool. Colours were blocked in a charming trio of black, white and tomato red. The collection featured only two prints: A red leopard crepe de chine, floor length gown and various dresses and tops made from a tribal-esque pattern.
So I repeat: Predictably beautiful. Dixon knows what his clients want, and he delivers each time. And although some might feel cheated leaving the show at a quarter to midnight, hours later than expected, not having witnessed a collection that pushes the envelope – sometimes predictability can be a happily ever after.
