Maria Grazia Chiuri, at the helm of Dior, unveiled a Haute Couture collection that resonated with echoes of the past while firmly striding into the future. The runway became a stage for fashion’s transformative power, showcasing how silhouettes endure and evolve through time. Chiuri masterfully reimagined iconic designs, breathing new life into Yves Saint Laurent’s 1958 Trapèze line and Christian Dior’s 1952 Cigale silhouette with contemporary fabrics and a distinctly modern sensibility.
The collection unfolded as a dialogue between eras. Flowing capes, embellished with delicate organza feathers, danced alongside shimmering black coats adorned with three-dimensional silver embroidery. Lace-trimmed tulle skirts whispered of playful nostalgia, while crinolines, reinvented as ethereal cages with embroidered branches, offered a fresh perspective on a classic structure. Moiré-tailcoat miniskirt ensembles provided a striking counterpoint, juxtaposing bold modernity with timeless elegance.
A burnished silver gown, alive with intricate embroidery, captured the essence of movement and metamorphosis. A cape of delicate petals transformed a model into a surreal floral vision, seamlessly merging whimsical charm with the exacting precision of haute couture. The collection’s brilliance earned a rare standing ovation, including from U.S. Vogue’s Anna Wintour.
The Musée Rodin’s gardens provided a breathtaking backdrop for this sartorial spectacle. Celebrities, including Jenna Ortega, Anya Taylor-Joy, Venus Williams, Pamela Anderson, Laetitia Casta, and Dior ambassador Kim Jisoo, graced the event, underscoring the brand’s global influence.
Adding another layer of artistry, the walls of the venue showcased “The Flowers We Grew,” a monumental textile installation by Indian artist Rithika Merchant, brought to life in fabric by the Chanakya School of Craft. The artwork, weaving together botanical motifs and universal symbols, explored narratives of womanhood across generations. This collaboration underscored Dior’s dedication to championing women artists and highlighting the exceptional skills of Merchant and the Chanakya ateliers. The public can experience this remarkable installation in the Rodin Museum Gardens from January 28 to February 2.
