In the midst of the pandemic, the team at Dior have certainly kept themselves busy.
Earlier this month, the French house presented its innovative couture collection. In lieu of a physical show, Dior created gowns and looks shrunken and styled on miniature mannequins; these were then presented in a whimsical short film which featured centaurs, mermaids, and woodland nymphs… among other things.
Now, taking things in the complete opposite direction for the Cruise 2021 collection, Dior swapped the ethereal and fantastical for something more touchable—that definitely has us longing for a summer holiday in the Italian countryside.
Hosting the show in Lecce—a small town in Puglia, southern Italy—Maria Grazia Chiuri tapped resident artisans and craftsmen to help shape a collection centred around the theme of keeping things local.
Marilena Sparacsi was commissioned to craft the tombolo embroidery that adorned dresses; Le Constantine Foundation were behind the woven textiles; Marinella Senatore created the luminarie that lit the set; even the performers and orchestra were from the area.
And, maybe most interestingly, the guest list swapped A-listers and influencers for local attendees.
The direction of the collection, too, embraced wearable separates and more casual styling, as the final cherry on top. Ankle-grazing pinafore dresses were worn over sleeveless collared shirts, sky-high heels were swapped for practical (yet, of course, achingly chic) flat boots, totes and bags had an air of sensibility (as if, perhaps, you could fit in a hearty meal for an evening soirée?), and hair was swept up into headscarves as a nod to the Italian summer.
As always, j’adore Dior.
