For the Fall 2024 collection, French fashion House Dior fled Paris in favour of the bright lights of New York City.
Here, on a runway set amongst the hallowed walls of the Brooklyn museum, creative director Maria Grazia Chirui paid homage to both style capitals, with a collection dedicated to the contrarian style of 20th century actress Marlene Dietrich.
Dietrich’s influence on the collection was ever present. Her pioneering personal style – which, in the 1900s was considered scandalous in its androgyny – found expression in mannish coats, suit trousers, ties, and bowler hats. At the other end of the spectrum, Chiuri nodded to the glamour of Dietrich’s silver screen prowess via flapper-style fringing, crushed velvet gowns, and plenty of crystal embellishment.
The meeting of the distinct cultures of New York and Paris was also a key theme. A stars-and-stripes sweatshirt and oversized print of the Statue of Liberty was the most pronounced reference to New York, but there were also subtle nods to the city’s distinct personal style, via Aviator jackets, trench coats, and practical tweed. Of course, this cultural fusion was no accident. Christian Dior’s relationship to New York dates back to 1984, when the first store was established there, just a year after the Parisian Maison launched.
And despite the unique geography of Dior’s Fall 2024 presentation, several A-listers made the journey to New York to witness the collection from the front row.
Among them were friends of the house like Anya Taylor Joy, who looked elegant in a black column dress complete with sheer opera gloves and a headband; Rosamund Pike, who accessorised a pencil skirt and jacket with the sleekest sunglasses; and Naomi Watts (and her look-a-like daughter).
