On July 22, Dior Cruise 2021 show opened in Puglia, Italy, under strict safety regulations. The show, which was earlier scheduled in May was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This month, it was conducted audience-free and broadcasted live.
“During this period (lockdown), I sought to give collective efforts a new dimension. Despite the disadvantages of distance, bringing a different perspective to our daily lives has given us strength and imagination,” says Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director, Dior.
Piazza del Duomo, Lecce, Puglia, Italy. Source: Dior
She has taken inspiration from the art of Luminarie. A collaboration with the ateliers of Fratelli Parisi, a Puglian house dating back to 1876, resulted in a celebration of colours. The lights and decor pay homage to the region’s traditions.
The show was unique because of the fascinating storytelling technique used. With the enchanting fairytale poetry of the Luminarie, dance and ritual music was put into action for paying tribute to the rich history and culture of Puglia.
It was choreographed by Sharon Eyal from the Notte della Taranta Foundation and orchestrated by Paolo Buonvino. The vocal and piano performance by Giuliano Sangiorgi was a cherry on the top. The show celebrates the festivity, liveliness, rites and joie de vivre followed by Puglia’s people.
Italy, being the homeland of Maria Grazia Chiuri, is very close to her heart. Along with paying homage to Italy’s culture through the setting and dynamic performances, she has also given significance to the Italian art of craft.
The collection is engraved with a motto from the Costantine Foundation; Amando e Cantando, translating to ‘loving and singing’. On Dior’s iconic Miss Dior dress from 1949, the artist Pietro Ruffo has reimagined a field with a constellation of wheat sheaves evoking a summer landscape. Untamed nature is captured on the shirts and shorts. The dresses are decorated with flowers and butterflies through the art of Tombolo embroidery by Marilena Sparasci.
