Epitomising sartorial opulence at Dior’s 2020 Cruise Collection

The Maison stormed the Moroccan El Badi Palace for its latest decadent show.

On Monday 29th April in Marrakech, Maria Grazia Chiuri presented Dior’s Cruise 2020 collection in, featuring an ever so “grounded” theme which celebrated a myriad of cultures gathered together to enrich and unveil a sense of mutual understanding.

Rather than just being inspired by an all-inclusive African ethos, Chiuri invited a series of fine artists, craft-makers as well as artisans from a diversity of social backgrounds to join forces in envisioning a broader dialogue between the collection and the social facet of Africa.

An enticing list of names across the fashion, music and finema industries could be counted on the remarkable red carpet prior to the show, drawing in the likes of Lupita Nyong’o, Jessica Alba and Susie Lau (it’s perhaps just best to name a few, before it gets a little too sparkly), who cemented their ways into the city to partake in the ever so spectacular yet dynamic collection.

As well as showcasing Dior’s exquisite heritage within the sophisticated gowns, captivating accessories all of which were located in such astonishing scenery, not neglecting the label’s former creative director’s fascination with Morocco, the collection featured work of multiple artists from the entire continent. Besides the countless patterns, the collection punctuated a dramatic array of evening gowns, dresses studded by Murano glass beads, bohemian lace wedding dresses and jersey pieces.

Among the collaborations established for this season’s sumptuous show, Chiuri also partnered with Grace Wales Bonner (British-Jamaican designer whose work repetitively delves into the intricacies of African culture), always eager in subverting likewise merging Western and African prints to their finest, giving birth to a lavish set of “travel looks” rich in timeless sophistication and premium taste.

Chiuri also collaborated with a vast group of other surface-pattern designers, highlighting a refined savoir-faire able to launch partnership across local creative groups in the city. A well-played move by Dior, giving such homage to staggering foreign cultures.

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words
Chidozie Obasi
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via @Dior on Instagram