Catty Cardin

Fashion is not always known for its kind nature, and critics are always lurking around the next corner. However, Dior's head designer, John Galliano, had the fashion world rallying around him when legendary designer Pierre Cardin critiqued his designs in an interview with Reuters.

Cardin referred to Galliano's designs as "a spectacle". "You can't walk in shoes like that or hats like that - to go where? You go to dinner and you need three chairs to sit down", he told Reuters. Cardin previously worked for Christian Dior from 1946 to 1954, and was known for his futuristic designs in the 1960s. "It's very beautiful," he continued, "but it's not fashion, it's something else. It's costume."

The fashion world was in an uproar at Cardin's remarks and was quick to defend l'enfant terrible, Galliano. Indeed, Galliano's shows for Dior are famously extravagant and eccentric, however, these are supposedly very good for the business. They draw the necessary attention to the couture house and provide fodder for the fashion press. However, once the collection actually hits the shops, the individual pieces are wearable and practical.

As the outlandish milliner, Philip Treacy, said: "People understand that what you see on the catwalk is not what you see in the shops. It is there to make you dream."

What Galliano's defenders say is true; catwalk creations are there to inspire the public rather than instruct them. This is a common misconception. Many people misunderstand the message that couturiers like to send. They try to recreate a beautiful, imaginary world that serves as a backdrop for their exquisite pieces. However, the individual pieces are rarely impossible to wear. And if ever there was an industry that welcomed flamboyant creativity, it has to be the fashion industry.

Designer Bella Freud summed the situation up beautifully: "Just because he doesn't understand something doesn't mean it's not relevant. It's sour grapes."