Dior’s arts and crafts

«Our atelier is the world». With this crystalline phrase Maria Grazia Chiuri described the season's work on Dior couture. An indissoluble dialogue between art and craftsmanship shaped starting from the work harmoniously surrounding the walls of the marquee in the gardens of the Musée Rodin, where the fw 2022/23 collection was presented. The protagonist is the tree of life signed by ukrainian artist Olesia Trofymenko, discovered by Chiuri herself during an exhibition at the Maxxi in Rome and reproduced by the skilled hands of the Chanakya School of Craft in Mumbai. A school offering autonomy to local women by enhancing the noble art of embroidery. In a bond tightening between two continents.

«All clothes from folk traditions carry references to the tree of life in various cultures,» Chiuri explained. Starting from this quote she then embarked on a creative journey whose goal was to connect art and craftsmanship on many levels. «A lot of savoir-faire is involved in this collection, starting from our ateliers in Paris via other small workshops of young people who produce hand-woven textiles with looms. We have been supporting them for a long time and would like to do so even more,» the designer, head of the womenswear at Lvmh fashion house, continued. A collection whose protagonists are suits and coats transformed into unique pieces thanks to lace and embroidery decorations was presented in a color sequence that, from the beige of the incipit, gradually led to black, fading between light blue and bronze with touches of fiery red. Dresses almost sculpted on the body that surprised for the sequence of textural patchwork or so light that they rose to the blow of the wind, among silk muslins and finely pleated skirts. Sequences of checks interrupted the scene, also traversed by embroidery, and handcrafted virtuosities, such as trimmings and smock stitch, told of the desire for precious authenticity. For pieces to be experienced as timeless objects.

Judgment. «Each of these garments is unique, it has a specific craftsmanship,» Maria Grazia Chiuri stated. The designer's path at Dior, which has always been close to women's art and craftsmanship, found full expression in an haute couture collection that put more emphasis than ever on savoir-faire. Connecting the world's ateliers in a common vision of intent that transcends barriers and nations. And the very, literal concept of folklore. (All rights reserved)