PARIS (Reuters) – Christian Dior went back in time for its last fashion show in Paris on Tuesday, while designer Maria Grazia Chiuri delved into her memories of childhood and adolescence in Italy with looks inspired by the 1970s.
The models wearing the headscarf presented pieces in plaid prints and numerous fringes, while the designer also explored feminist references which first inspired her and which became a recurring theme for the brand belonging to LVMH.
“I’m going back to when I was younger in Rome around the 70s and 80s, because it was an important time in my life … with important issues like women’s liberation,” said Chiuri to Reuters in an interview.
Some looks seemed directly inspired by Chiuri’s own experiences, including a camouflage-style puffer jacket.
“I remember the first time I went to the flea market to buy my denim pants, my military jacket because I did not want to be dressed in a pretty dress in which I did not recognize myself,” he said. she declared.
Actresses Demi Moore, Nina Dobrev and Sigourney Weaver were among the stars at the forefront of the Paris fashion show. Dior was one of the first major French brands to launch Paris Fashion Week, which closes the last season of catwalks that whistled in New York, London and Milan.
Inspired by Carla Lonzi, a feminist activist from the 70s and Marc Bohan, creative director of Dior for 30 years, the Fall-Winter styles included polka dot prints, shoulder bags and transparent shirts.
Dior has also reinterpreted the brand’s distinctive “Bar” jacket in a curved cashmere wool cardigan.
Other evening looks were more luxurious, such as pure silk dresses, although many were worn with sturdy boots rather than stilettos. The show ended with sequined and flowing dresses.
The place was designed by the Claire Fontaine collective and included displays of light messages such as “Consent” and “We are all clitoral women” hanging above the gangway inside a pop-up installation in the Tuileries Garden.
“There are times when you feel like fashion is going to open up and I feel like it’s happening a little bit right now,” American actress Andie MacDowell told Reuters after the show. “From losing corsets to burning bras, I think women empower each other.”
The coronavirus epidemic meant that there were few Asian buyers present. Last week, Italian fashion houses presented in an empty theater at Milan Fashion Week.
Report by Laetitia Volga and Reuters TV, edited by Sarah White and Rosalba O’Brien