Luxury brand Dior has a history of extremely conventional shows. And today, it will present its latest Fall 2023 collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri in a beautiful Gateway of India in Mumbai. Over 850 guests are expected to attend the event, which will mark the first global launch of a calendar versus capsule collection of this scale in India. What can we expect from the Indian capital and where did the idea for the show location come from?
Iconic Dior collections
The brand is known not only for its high-quality products, such as clothing or cosmetics, but also for its active involvement in the industry. It likes to organize events such as fashion shows, boutique openings and charity events. . Since the brand’s creative director is Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior has created many extraordinary collections. Many of them had an influence on trends and current fashion.
One of the most famous collections designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior is the collection spring-summer 2017. It was inspired by the feminist icon of the 70s – Sylvie Vartan. The catwalk then featured rich, embroidered patterns, hand-painted fabrics and floral appliqués. The collection also attracted attention autumn-winter 2022, inspired by art from the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the works of artist Lee Krasner.
Maria Grazia Chiuri is known for using elements of culture and art in her works.. In her work she often addresses themes of promoting gender equality and female power. Her collections for Dior reflect her strong beliefs and have gained recognition among fashion critics and supporters of the brand over the years.
A unique culmination of a long-standing friendship
The upcoming show will be unique not only because of the choice of country and heritage site, but also because it was inspired by India. In cooperation with Chanakya, a Mumbai studio and craft school for women run by Karishma Swali, will feature a breathtaking backdrop of the city’s historic structure and overlook the city’s skyline. It’s no secret, however, that the upcoming event is also an ode to the friendship of two women.
“We met over 25 years ago and immediately found a deep connection. This collection is born from the excellence of craftsmanship, the savoir faire of a combined language, and a shared celebration of the crafts and culture of our countries,” says Maria Grazia Chiuri. Swali clearly reciprocates the sentiment, calling Chiuri “a long-time mentor and dear friend.”
What can we expect?
The Dior Fall/Winter 2023 collection will be a collection ready to wear, which means that the clothes presented are suitable for everyday wear. We also know that Chanakya has created an enrichment of embroidery for the clothes that will be released today. Chiuri is also expected to show a pre-fall collection, which will hit stores in April. And it will include stunning evening jackets, elegant silk dresses and skirts with patterns inspired by desi, or the indigenous people of India.
Sujata Assomull, senior editor at Vogue, believes that India is poised for a fashion renaissance. The country is the world’s sixth largest economy, with the third largest percentage of millionaires and a young population. This in turn makes them a huge sales market for fashion brands. India and Dior also have an extraordinary history together. For his 1955 fall/winter haute couture line, Dior produced the masterpiece “Soiree de Lahore.” There, too, the brand drew inspiration from the beautiful Indian embroideries.
After many years, the brand is back in India with a new venture. It also seems that huge logistical and security measures have been put in place. Workers have been assembling sets for the show for the past five days, and flights have been arriving with celebrities planning to attend the show. We are all curious to see what exactly Dior will present in Mumbai this time!