This weekend, Bill Gaytten undertook a difficult job, to present the Dior Spring 2012 ready-to-wear collection as interim artistic director. While it lacked the flash of a John Galliano show, the difference between the two men was the point. Gone are the days of drunken, racist rants, back is lady-like comportment and good behavior. The palette is restrained, classic black, gray, and ecru for day, red for evening. Rumor is that Marc Jacobs will take the helm, but CEO Sidney Toledano’s lips are sealed.
Today’s expression, ennuyeux comme la pluie (on-wee-euh come lah ploo-e) means “to be boring like the rain.” The equivalent expression I grew up with is “as dull as ditchwater.” That may be the criticism leveled against Gaytten, but I prefer safe to vile.