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With the Olympic and Paralympic Games just weeks away, it’s no surprise that Dior’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, chose to pay tribute to athletes at the Dior Couture Autumn-Winter 2024-2025 show, held at Musée Rodin in Paris. And if you’re wondering if you can blend haute couture and sportswear, the answer is yes.
When it comes to couture, anything is possible.
Chiuri had a particular athlete in mind, honouring those who have overcome prejudice and obstacles to ensure fairness in sports.
As always, the creative director aimed to surprise. The collection featured jersey, a fabric rarely seen on the couture runway, with silk jersey transformed into elegant, draped gowns. Pleating added sophistication, while sporty elements like hoods and peplums introduced an athletic edge.
Showstoppers included a fully embroidered tulle bodysuit as well as delicate gold leaf detailing.
Chiuri’s vision was to showcase a woman who is both delicate and strong, and the theme of empowerment was further highlighted by a red ‘bathrobe’ embellished with mosaic mirrors. After all, as Christian Dior once said, red is the “colour of life.”
The show was dedicated to artist, feminist, and educator Faith Ringgold, who passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 93. For nearly seven decades, Ringgold challenged perceptions of African American identity and gender inequality. The set featured embroidered mosaics from some of Ringgold’s most iconic series, recreated by the Chanakya School of Craft, highlighting women’s empowerment.
Based in India, the school empowers women from underserved and low-income communities with free 18-month training programs in design skills and various hand-embroidery techniques, including macramé and metal-based zardozi. To date, nearly 2,000 students have successfully completed the program.
Gigantic recreations of Ringgold’s iconic pieces—Freedom Woman Now, Woman Free Yourself, and Windows of the Wedding #1: Woman —decorated the walls.
The makeup was quietly bold. A dusting of gold shadow on the eyelids added a hint of glamour, perfectly fitting with the games about to begin. No blush or mascara was used; the sophistication of the makeup came from its simplicity.
A host of celebrities arrived to watch the collection unfold. Those on the front row included Jennifer Lopez, Doja Cat, Rosamund Pike, Banks, Jisoo, Deva Cassel, Tish Weinstock, Kelly Rutherford, Yseult, and Olivia Palermo.
As the models left the runway, it was clear that Grazia Chiuri was ready to go for gold.
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