Dior transformed Mumbai’s stately, historic Gateway of India monument into a fashion runway laden with fame. Along with beauty, and craftsmanship in a glittering splash of luxury fashion on Thursday.
The spectacular décor is flanked by the brightly lit, iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel. However, it transformed the heritage site in India’s entertainment and business city into a fusion of color and style. As models lined up to display the Paris fashion house’s 2023 pre-fall collection.
Indian artistry and craftsmanship took center stage in creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri’s collection. Moreover, the catwalk was lined with traditional Indian floral designs and reverberated with fusion rhythms from live musicians.
The collection included silk dresses, evening coats, and sari-inspired skirts with traditional Indian shapes. The performance began with a palette of neutrals, gradually transitioning to forest green before exploding with bright colours and patterns. Throughout the show, the majority of the models wore pearl necklaces wrapped around their necks.
First, “I wanted to celebrate and showcase the incredible knowledge of India. Which offers to the international world of fashion in the field of embroidery, the mastery of the artisans who continue to work on this craft. And Chanakya’s founders’ commitment to preserving India’s history and culture, portrayed by each embroidery technique,” Chiuri wrote on Instagram.
Dior and Indian heritage history
Dior fashion has a long history with India. Thanks to the Mumbai-based atelier Chanakya, which collaborates with artisans and disadvantaged women. Whereas the show refocused attention on India’s luxury fashion industry. Where major Western fashion brands such as Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent. And Valentino have previously presented collections.
India has long been known for its intricate embroidery art, opulent fabrics, and embellishments. And it is now the world’s fifth-largest economy. With a young and aspirational middle class, easy internet access, and an increasing number of uber-rich. It is quickly emerging as a key consumer market for international fashion brands.
Many Indian designers have also established shops in global fashion capitals such as New York and Dubai. While their collections have been showcased during international fashion weeks.
Dior drew on a variety of A-list invitees from India and elsewhere to fill out the guest roster. Along with the legendary Rekha, fashion icon Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, and Anushka Sharma were among those in attendance, as was her spouse, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli.
Western celebrities of Indian origin or descent — like Freida Pinto, Simone Ashley of “Bridgerton”, sitarist Anoushka Shankar and Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones — took in the show. Other guests included actor Maisie Williams from “Game of Thrones” and Thai actors Mile and Apo from “KinnPorsche.”
