The runway presentation of Christian Dior’s 2007 cruise collection started out with a perfectly relaxed mood. High above the city, on the 50th floor of 7 World Trade, a well-heeled crowd sipped champagne and admired a soft orange sunset just before the Crosby Stills & Nash tune “Marrakesh Express” rolled happily along.

The collection, though, was full of high drama. Designer John Galliano mixed 1950s-style beehives and heavy eyeliner with a modern take on the bright color and embellishment of South Asian style. The looks ranged from bejeweled tunics to boxy, constructed jackets and suits — and then on to come-hither pieces such as a leopard print asymmetrical cocktail dresses. One dramatic suit in deep pink recalled Christian Dior’s 1947 New Look, with the addition of delicate crystal embellishment at the front. Skinny pants — some shown with skirts, mini or otherwise — extended far down over the ankle.

Several looks were topped with hats in such exaggerated proportions that they could block out the sun — and everything else beyond one foot of its wearer. Shoes were exaggerated, too: The models teetered — and one toppled — in the 5-inch stilettos that had four candy-colored spheres where flat soles (for the ball of the foot) should have been. But other pairs were more wearable and looked just right with the crisp suits bound for cocktails on cool terraces.

The collection as a whole was a constantly changing cascade of bright colors, surprising shapes, and adorned fabrics. Beautiful clothes call out for attention, but these pieces (paired with the hair and makeup) delivered a visual feast.