Under the watchful eye of Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior's Cruise shows have taken us across the globe. From the dreamland of Lecce, a town in the South of the Puglia region, to last year's unforgettable show held in the iconic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. Cruise for Dior has always been rooted in the idea of transporting us elsewhere; and for Cruise 2023, Dior brought us to its runway in Seville, Spain.
Described by the House as "a journey of discovery and reflection", the collection continues to speak to Dior's desire to seek out original collaborations inspired by their native territories. In the instance of Seville, Cruise 2023's icon was none other than La Capitana, the name given to Carmen Amaya; a famous Flamenco dancer who embodied true freedom. An artist with singular, revolutionary movements, she was the first dancer in her field to dress in men’s clothing, combining power and fragility through her art.
Held at the entrance of the grand Plaza de España, the show began in the most suitable way, with a sea of dancers clad in red dresses moving through the space to the sound of traditional Spanish music played live by an orchestra. As we learnt in the teaser video shared by the House late yesterday afternoon, Chiuri found inspiration in the work of plastic artist Maria Angeles Vila Tortosa. Describing Chiuri's vision as a "powerful cocktail" of art, music, fashion and history, the pieces that made their way out onto the runway were exactly that – a meeting of emotions and intentions.
A collection that comprised of 110 looks, Dior Cruise 2023 speaks to every woman. A look comprising of tailored trousers fit with suspenders, a white tank and embroidered poncho opened the show, transitioning into a harmonious lineup of beautifully crafted and voluminous lace and tulle work – two materials synonymous with the House.
Short jackets, high-waisted pants and wide-brimmed hats worn on an angle throughout the show were an homage to the Duchess of Alba, a legendary character who rode horses with Jackie Kennedy. Elsewhere, the emblematic Manila shawl retells the stories and journeys of the communities that created and wore it; and of course, Dior's iconic Bar Jacket sees its own iteration, in black velvet embroidered with various gold threads.
A timelessness that blends the everyday and the extraordinary, Dior Cruise 2023 expressed the soul of Spain. Watch the full show, below.
