The Chanakya workshop in Mumbai. // Christian Dior Couture
The unveiling of Dior’s SS23 Haute Couture collection was accompanied by a breathtaking installation at the Musée Rodin. This unique collaboration curated by African-American artist Mickalene Thomas, seamlessly blends contemporary art and haute couture. It was then resulting in a truly mesmerizing experience.
Maria Grazia Chiuri has woven a new creative dialogue with Mickalene Thomas. Mickalene is an emblematic African-American artist who born in 1971. She had previously collaborated on the Dior Cruise 2020 collection unveiled in Marrakech. On that occasion, she had given carte blanche to reinterpret the iconic New Look silhouette.
Mickalene Thomas’ work explores different themes and challenging the male gaze while questioning the predominant canons of art history. She expresses herself through painting and devises collages by mixing printed images, photographs and other material elements. Besides, she often using iconographies of renowned artists to contest social norms and ideals of feminine beauty over the centuries.
Envisioned specifically for this Dior show, her decor epitomizes a new pantheon of women. The works born out of a conversation dedicated to the importance of black and mixed-race female figures.
Dior Empowering Women
Created especially for the défilé, this structure reveals giant portraits of leading figures – featuring embroidery designed by the Chanakya Ateliers and the Chanakya School of Craft on a printed textile base – representing a new pantheon of women.
They are a heterogeneous, eclectic group — a source of inspiration on all continents — who have queried the status quo and achieved feats. As well as Joséphine Baker and Nina Simone, they include supermodels Donyale Luna and Naomi Sims, Dorothy Dandridge, the first African-American woman to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, and Hazel Scott, the first African-American woman to have her own television show.
“These women have broken many barriers in television, film, fashion and social activism. It is because of their determination and sacrifices that I am able to make this work and be the artist I am today,” says Mickalene Thomas.
DIOR Fall 23 Fashion Show To Take Place In India
A new, unique celebration of Indian savoir-faire.
For Maria Grazia Chiuri, each collection is an opportunity to make new connections. From different domains of craftsmanship and ancestral traditions to the most forward-thinking innovations, Dior is taking their craft to the world.
As the marvellous destination for her inventive journey, Maria Grazia Chiuri has chosen the historic site of the Gateway of India in Mumbai for Dior Fall 2023 show, which will be presented on March 30, 2023.
It is a tribute to the forward-thinking spirit of Christian Dior and his successors who had a profound admiration for this country.
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