Ever since Maria Grazia Chiuri took the helm at Dior, I’ve been on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating that moment of sheer captivation from her collections. I imagined a journey that begins with gentle ease, gradually intensifying with layers of sophisticated design, and culminating in a burst of vibrancy. Yet, vibrancy doesn’t seem to be in Chiuri’s playbook. Instead, she embraces simplicity and an understated grace. Her creations don’t aim to dazzle for the sake of spectacle; they’re about enveloping women in the comfort of luxury. After all, this is Dior we’re talking about.
This collection exudes a quiet elegance, balancing meticulously tailored suits with a relaxed fit and offering outerwear that drapes effortlessly. It pairs chunky-heeled, knee-high boots, perfect for a crisp walk, with double-faced cashmere mini-skirts and snug turtlenecks. Patterned blouses complement denim suits in an array of washes, all tied together with subtle makeup highlighted by a striking hot pink inverted wing. This is an ensemble that whispers sophistication with every piece.
It’s evident that Chiuri’s vision for Dior is to clothe women in a manner that transcends boundaries, offering them the canvas to define or reinterpret the essence of the Dior woman. Yet, within this forward-thinking ethos, there’s a nod to the maison’s rich heritage. A standout feature is the graffiti-inspired archival logo of the house of Dior, a design rooted in the past. As noted by Sarah Mower, Chiuri shared that this emblematic logo was originally “a piece of hand-drawn advertising artwork, created for the inaugural Miss Dior boutique back in 1967.” This blend of history and modernity underscores Chiuri’s nuanced approach to fashion at Dior.
Where the collection presents with a nondiscriminatory air, we do see Chiuri’s iteration of the Christian Dior woman come alive in Christian Dior-clad guests who offer a large visual tapestry of the styles and characters of many a Dior woman.
Maria Grazia Chiuri champions simplicity and sleek lines, crafting designs devoid of the flamboyance we might long for that sends shivers of excitement down our spine. Yet, as I’ve realised, Dior under her guidance has become a sanctuary for the woman who prefers to embody a timeless femininity. This vision is one of fluid motion, of being undisturbed and unshaken, carrying oneself with an air of sophistication and freedom.
