Dior embraces sporty themes: Maria Grazia Chiuri’s latest Dior collection showcased a sporty, urban aesthetic on the Paris runway. The designs combined athletic elements with bold, asymmetric shapes, and knee-high boots, creating a sense of strength and movement.
Sci-fi meets fashion: Chiuri’s designs brought to mind the ’60s sci-fi genre, reminiscent of iconic shows like ‘Star Trek’. The minimalist, futuristic looks leaned into a stripped-down aesthetic, fusing past and present influences in a modern way.
Amazone dress reimagined: The collection paid homage to Christian Dior’s iconic Amazone dress from the 1950s. Chiuri offered a modern take on this classic silhouette, using sleek and athletic lines to reflect the influence of the recent Paris Olympics on her vision.
Urban, combat-inspired designs: Models appeared in skin-tight black tops with geometric cut-outs and lace-up boot sneakers, highlighting comfort and structure. The designs reflected Chiuri’s ongoing exploration of how to balance movement with a controlled, tailored look.
Monochrome contrasts: A black-and-white colour palette dominated the collection, in a nod to the classic Miss Dior logo. Monochrome bombers, some accented with flashes of red, gave off a combat-ready, urban vibe, while a stark white tuxedo added a sharp, striking contrast.
Metallic accents: Chiuri added shimmering metallic elements to the otherwise severe colour scheme. These delicate touches, seen in butterfly motifs and embellishments, offered a softer, more feminine edge to the otherwise structured designs.
Unexpected contrasts: In the midst of the urban and aggressive looks, Breton-striped swimwear made a surprising appearance. This playful and unexpected addition contrasted sharply with the rest of the collection, standing out against the gritty, street-style outfits.
Youthful appeal vs heritage: While the collection aimed to appeal to a younger audience, it sometimes seemed to be straining to balance modernity with Dior’s rich heritage. The contrast between the house’s refined elegance and a more youthful, urban look was clear but occasionally felt forced.
Live archery performance: One of the standout moments from Dior’s show was a live archery performance by SAGG Napoli, who shot arrows at a target in a central runway tunnel. This dramatic display reinforced the themes of strength, athleticism, and precision that Chiuri explored in her designs.
VIPs applaud: The audience applauded the performance, including notable figures such as Natalie Portman and French First Lady Brigitte Macron. Portman, when asked if she felt like an Amazon, commented, “I am a very small person, so I’m the opposite, but the spirit is alive and well.”
Strength and empowerment: The set design for the show included the message, “May the building of a strong mind and a strong body be the greatest work I have ever made.” This quote reinforced the themes of strength, empowerment, and the blend of fashion with physical prowess.
Olympic influence: Chiuri’s collection was influenced by the recent Paris 2024 Olympics. Athleticism and the connection between sport and fashion were central to the show, symbolised by the sporty designs and the dramatic archery performance.
Saint Laurent’s sharp edge: In contrast, Saint Laurent’s collection took on a moody, preppy tone. Oversized silhouettes, sharp tailoring, and 70s-inspired designs channelled the essence of Yves Saint Laurent’s legacy, while designer Anthony Vaccarello added his signature minimalist touch.
Anrealage pushes boundaries: Anrealage delivered a playful yet surreal collection, featuring inflatable designs that fused historical references with futuristic elements. The show pushed the limits of wearable fashion, showcasing the brand’s bold approach to creativity and innovation.
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