Dior Fall 2023 Celebrates Indian Craftsmanship In Front Of Mumbai's Gate Of India

Dior has unveiled their fall 2023-2024 ready to wear collection in Mumbai, in front of the historic Gateway Of India.

Being the first time a Dior show has taken place in the India, and the first time a luxury house has ever done so on such a grand scale, the show marked a momentous occasion for the brand and the country.

Dior fall — Dior unveiled their Fall ready to wear collection in Mumbai. *(Credit: Supplied)*

The show was the product of a collaboration between Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri and Chanakya International artistic director Karishma Swali, who have not only collaborated on over 50 Dior collections together but also founded the not-for-profit Chanakya School of Craft in 2016.

The famous atelier and school preserves traditional craftsmanship at an elite level by teaching women embroidery techniques from India, whose talent was showcased to the the world at the Dior Fall 2023 show.

As Dior’s 99 looks were revealed, each model passed through a specially-erected archway draped in a 12-foot-high embroidered Toran—the handiwork Chanakya’s most talented embroiders.

The show anchored itself in Indian culture—not only evident in the Toran but also in the Rangoli-style floral arrangements along the runway and of course, the actual fall collection, which highlighted the country’s aesthetic traditions.

Chiuri made this clear with opulent jewel tones recognised in Indian fabrics, draped silhouettes nodding to Saris and reworks of the iconic toile de Jouy to include animals of India.

Micro-beading on evening pants, flat sandals and high neck choker necklaces only further elevated the looks.

By celebrating Indian craftmanship and artistry, Dior has also acknowledged the role Indian embroiders have long played in European haute couture and demonstrated that we should be expanding our perception of luxury fashion out from European centres.

Dior Fall 2023 Mumbai Show Documentary

For those who weren’t at the show, never fear. Dior has a new documentary showcasing a behind-the-scenes look at the the Dior Fall 2023 collection. From inspiring conversations with artisans to the show history-making show in Mumbai, the documentary provides an intimate look at the collection.

You can watch the trailer here.

Teneal Zuvela Digital Writer

Teneal has a Bachelor Of Arts degree In English and Cultural Studies from The University Of Western Australia. After completing university, Teneal began a career in lifestyle journalism, writing about food, interiors and wellness for publications including Apartment Therapy, SBS Food, We Are Explorers and Fashion Journal. Now based in Sydney, Teneal is a lifestyle writer for marie claire and ELLE Australia.

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