Positing understated structure and subdued colour as the ultimate statements of refinement, Maria Grazia Chiuri offered up a parade of timeless gowns and classically tailored shapes for Maison Christian Dior’s Fall 2018 Haute Couture show in Paris. Seeming to draw attention to the atelier itself, the runway was set in front of an impressive wall of cotton toiles of the collection’s looks, while the pieces spoke to the importance of meticulous handiwork and simple elegance — not to be confused with the flippant ‘glamour’ proliferated in today’s fast culture. Cashmere suiting, organza flowers, fine pleating, ankle-grazing gowns and tidy berets sat alongside contemporary renditions of the Dior bar jacket and modern fabrics to become a collection that didn’t reflect the times as such but sat as a much-needed antidote. These are our favourite looks.