In Paris this week, Dior’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection made a stunning debut, featuring a powerful performance of contemporary dance, in addition to the house’s latest designs.
Beginning the presentation, spotlighted in the center of an immense, dark stage, a single dancer moved among a flurry of falling petals. After a few measures, a soundtrack of strings eased in. More dancers joined, and a succession of models began rounding the stage, uniting the ensemble in perfect harmony.
©Adrien Dirand
Courtesy of Dior.
“The experience of dance, its most intimate truth, the fact that it is a means of universal expression, and the radicality of the gestures of contemporary dance have all stimulated my imagination,” said Maria Grazia Chiuri, creative director of Dior womenswear.
It was clear from the start that dance is at the heart of the new collection, which kindled its inspiration from heroines of contemporary dance like Loïe Fuller, Martha Graham, and Isadora Duncan, as well as Christian Dior’s love for the art (made evident in his collaborations with dancers and ballet productions in the past). A palette of neutrals, soft army green, muted navy, and black flits across a selection of airy, supple silhouettes that ere subtly fashioned after an assortment of garments worn by dancers—be it leotards, hip-hop style harem pants, or long tulle tutus.
©Adrien Dirand
Courtesy of Dior.
While the first things that come to mind when one mentions “dancewear” are often pink tights and tutus, Grazia Chiuri gracefully embodied the essence of dance—a form of art expressed through movement—steering towards a selection of more classically feminine, yet easy and pliable styles, while still drawing influences from of a number of dance genres.
We saw looks like an ankle length transparent mesh skirt layered over tights and a bodysuit-type bottom, paired with a matching sweater, or a pair of cropped white cargo pants layered over black footless tights with a navy collared shirt—in addition to more ballet-centric looks like an all-over blush tulle and mesh dress.
Courtesy of Dior.
Although the majority of the pieces were composed of solid colors, the inclusion of elements like bohemian patterns, understated tie-dye, and beaded embroidery added variety. For footwear, models sported ribbon-tie heels that laced up the ankles like pointe shoes and thong sandals, which reminded us of a lyrical dance shoe. Each look was completed with either a headband, head scarf, or beret, and complimented by a sleek up do.
Courtesy of Dior.
