Richness of CULTURE

Dior's Artistic Director, Maria Grazia Chiuri speaks with Bazaar India about the multi-collaborative project that is the Dior Cruise 2023 collection.

For the Dior Cruise 2023 collection, Artistic Director Maria Grazia Chiuri exclaimed her deep appreciation for the centuries of exquisite craftsmanship... The 110-looks-strong collection was showcased at the imposing Plaza de España in Sevilla, Spain, through a dramatic presentation for editors and buyers from across the world. And what a spectacle it was. At this global gathering, one point became abundantly clear: Dior's vision for the future is delightfully inclusive. While the upcoming resort range pays ode to Andalusian culture, there are references to traditional designs from the Philippines, embroidery techniques from the many ateliers of Seville, and a studied understanding of just how important it is to preserve traditions within a modern context.

The drama of the show was commensurate with the rich inspirations of the collection. The evening began with two flamenco performers, followed by a spectacle of 40 live dancers dressed in a fiery shade of red, and models sashaying down the lengthy path...each carrying the weight of generations of craft and skill on their stylish shoulders.

In conversation with Bazaar India, Maria Grazia Chirui shares her inspiration and vision: "I wanted the défilé audience to feel as if they were in the heart of the world's flow, surrounded by art and architecture..." she explains. "The Plaza de España was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929-a place, both real and metaphorical, dedicated to the richness of the cultures that have defined this country, an emblem representing all of Spain." For the scenography and set components that welcomed the guests to the Plaza, Maria tells us that she asked Roman artist Pietro Ruffo (with whom she has collaborated with for many projects) to take inspiration from the Feria de Abril an agricultural fair initiated in 1847which has become one of the most important festivals in the city.