Following Chanel’s much-talked-about resort showcase in Saint Tropez, Dior presented its cruise collection for 2011 in Shanghai.

The Chinese metropolis further manifested its status as fashion hotspot by hosting another event of this scale, after Chanel chose Shanghai to show its Maison d’Arts collection last year.

But while the latter drew on Chinese tailoring, Dior was all about Parisian chic, featuring pastels, florals, and ruffles paired with big 1960s-inspired hair.

Despite its name, Dior’s cruise collection displayed a striking lack of practical, laid-back clothes that would actually be fit for cruising.

Instead, head designer John Galliano presented a range of cocktail dresses and even haute couture creations, a sure indicator of the brand counting on China to buy its most expensive creations.

The showcase coincided with the reopening of Dior’s boutique in the Plaza 66 shopping mall as well as the inauguration of a retrospective.

Meanwhile, film director David Lynch has premiered his short film for the Lady Dior campaign, which was also shot in Shanghai, starring Marion Cotillard.