-By Ankita Dutta.
Dior showcased its latest destination show in Mexico City, held in a former Jesuit seminary. The collection presented a diverse range of traditional and modern styles, including butterfly motifs, Charra suits, denim ensembles paired with huipils, and signature Dior pieces such as the Bar jacket and ‘Book Tote’ bags. Dior’s successful collaboration with local artisans from Oaxaca and Chiapas added a unique touch to the collection.
Maria Grazia Chiuri, the designer, stands out for her cross-cultural fashion approach, which is characterized by in-depth research and an emphasis on creating mutually beneficial relationships with indigenous artists and craftsmen. She emphasizes her intention to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of the communities she works with by using fashion as a means to connect different communities.
Chiuri defended her approach to cross-cultural fashion as “cultural appreciation” rather than appropriation. Her aim is to strengthen the traditions and practices she showcases while also giving them a contemporary twist. The designer believes that fashion, and textile art, in particular, can be a vehicle to bring different communities together by enabling them to collaborate, share ideas and expertise.
Dior’s cross-cultural Cruise collections have played a significant role in transforming the brand into one of fashion’s fastest-growing and most profitable brands. Dior’s newly-appointed CEO, Delphine Arnault, praised Chiuri’s approach, stating that the Cruise collection is critical for the brand’s growth and success. Arnault believes that showcasing the collection in countries such as Mexico in collaboration with local savoir-faire is pivotal for Dior’s continued growth.
While European fashion houses have previously explored the concept of cross-cultural sampling, Chiuri’s method is distinctive. She gives priority to cultivating connections with native craftsmen during the creation of her collections, while simultaneously ensuring their commercial success. Chiuri believes that prohibiting a dialogue with outside partners as a means to protect a region’s heritage carries a risk of not allowing that heritage to survive.
