Finally returning to in-person shows after three seasons, Christian Dior is taking a more sincere, heartfelt approach to fashion than ever before. Highlighting the bridge between the grandeur of haute couture that we all anticipate and the intensive hard work of craftsmen and women behind the scenes, the backdrop to the Fall 2021 show was an intricate panorama of hand-embroidered scenery.
As expected, Maria Grazia Chiuri went all out! The couture collection embodied her personal motivation to “being present,” which she also portrayed through the display of textile handiwork. Mirroring Christian Dior in the 1950s, Chiuri celebrated the talented, unnoticed experts, including embroiderers and silk manufacturers, who make up the foundation of the fashion industry that we very much enjoy and revel in every season.
Interestingly enough, every single minute stitch on the conceptual landscape mural was carried out by the Indian embroidery school which Chiuri had prompted the House to provide training to for the past few years. The ultimate design, created by French contemporary artist Eva Jospin, definitely set the tone for the whole show.
On the creative process, Chiuri told Vogue, “I think for the people working around the tables at our ateliers again, there was a different, incredible kind of energy in working towards this show.” The ambience at the studio, as described, was full of purpose and creative collaboration, as opposed to the hectic atmosphere that came about during the pandemic.
For daywear looks, visualize silhouettes of elegant gray tweeds and camel-tone cashmere. Reflecting the endless number of walks we took in nature this past year, some models wore aesthetic hiking boots while others wore woven-mesh slippers.
Our favorite highlight of this collection is surely the damsel-type flou dresses that reflect Chiuri’s tendency to lean toward building up a romantic appeal. Picture elegant corset styles, semi-sheer fabric and hand-braided silk! In contrast, you still get the foreseen delicate patchwork on long gorgeous coats and a variety of wardrobe options for winter weddings and luxurious events. Now, we don’t know about you but we can’t be denied either side of signature Dior!
Last but not least, we wanted to refer to Chiuri’s unshakeable sense of social responsibility. As she recognized the terrible economic impact of the pandemic on suppliers and workers within the fashion industry, she commented to Vogue, “I am really sensitive to that. It’s something that has always been close to my life. In that sense, I felt that the attacks everyone made on fashion during the pandemic crisis were very ungenerous.”
