Christian Dior Cruise 2019

It is quite evident now more than ever before – an empowering push towards women within the collections of Christian Dior; Maria Grazia Chiuri’s ornate yet structural designs, and inspiration showcase season by season, artists, performers and poets.

This resort season, Chiuri took inspiration from the escaramuza riders; female rodeo riders, whom she had flown all the way from Mexico to kick off (pun intended) the Dior Resort 2019 show, with a synchronized galloping performance. The show was held at Chantilly, a town known for its delicate lace, which had a strong presence in the resort collection.

Picking up on the inspiration and the historical references of Devin Doyle photographs, her ensembles involved lace, lace and more lace, which was arranged, and sewn over one another in the most beautiful, and intricate way possible. Juxtaposing that were tailored two-piece suits, and well fitted trousers, matched accordingly with riding and Wellington boots, that came in the shades of black, brown, and palm green. Chiuri’s aim was to mix the feminine with the oh-so-macho – and that she did. Adding onto that was the layer upon layer of petticoats that came in tulle, printed chiffon, and patchwork, which was adorned with more lace.

Taking the aesthetic further, flared printed cotton skirts were paired with intricately embroidered high neck blouses and featured a custom made print of Chiuri’s compelling new take on Toile de Jouy featuring lions, monkeys and serpents. As a creative would do, there were varied versions of the saddlebag, considered as the current “It” bag ever since its debut during the Fall show that took place in February.

As the show came to a close, the escaramuza riders stood guard as the models exhibited the complex combination of masculine tailoring and the feminine rigor – it truly was an elaborate imagery of female resilience. Chiuri will forever be a creative visionary, a force to be reckoned with, one that empowers women and their presence within the creative industry and many others.