On Monday, Maria Grazia Chiuri, the newly-appointed artistic director of women’s collections at Dior, put forth her very first haute couture collection.
There were gowns, masks, capes, headdresses, and accessories—all inspired by the delights of flowers and plants. Chiuri also found inspiration in a quote from Christian Dior, “After women, flowers are the most divine of creations. They are so delicate and charming, but they must be used carefully.”
Dior Haute Couture spring/summer 17.Courtesy of Dior.
Seen throughout the entire collection, the careful and meticulous attention to detail was exuded by divine materials and additives like ruffled tulle and organza, dainty pleats, quilted fabrics, feathers, and flowers. Between an array of thin layers making up sweeping dresses donned with large flowers—whether they were subtle embellishment, sewn-on, or sticking out—we also saw large necklaces in the shape of snakes, butterflies, flowers, and birds. Delicate off-the-shoulder ties were seemingly straight out of a princess’ wardrobe, as were strapless, one-shoulder, and spaghetti straps on many of the dresses. There were all-black looks, alongside blush pink, chalk grey, emerald green, and a striking red.
Closing the show, we watched the women drift by in their gowns and floral bonnets over a garden bed, and under an overflowing display of hanging flowers. With this collection, Dior assures us that haute couture is a fashion fairytale.
Dior Haute Couture spring/summer 17.Courtesy of Dior.
