Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri shows us what goes on behind the closed doors of Versailles at night as silhouettes of their Autumn-Winter 2021 collection loom over its Hall of Mirrors.
Related: Military Meets Art In Dior Menswear Winter 2021 Collection
Like the beloved princesses we all imagined dancing around in huge ball gowns, the Palace of Versailles is a real life castle where these dreams can come true. But as the sun sets and darkness surrounds the palace, dark truths are revealed, and fairytales turn into a gothic romance–the narrative that Maria Grazia Chiuri highlights with the Dior Autumn-Winter ’21 Collection.
Instead of taking inspiration from Disney’s version of fairytales, Chiuri takes on the dark world of the Grimm Brothers, Emily Carroll, and Charles Perrault. As a fan of the Grimm Brothers myself, watching Dior’s digital show titled Disturbing Beauty had me on the edge of my seat. Adding a gothic twist to Dior’s opulent and feminine signature style, the collection presents a sense of alluring danger to a timeless wardrobe.
Here are the nods to the dark fairytales that were present in the Dior Autumn-Winter 2021 Collection:
Beauty And The Beast, Snow White, And Sleeping Beauty
As models walked down Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, one would expect that it would show Dior’s collection to be the fairest of them all. But the mirrors by Italian artist Silvia Giambrone were obscured with wax and riddled with thorns like those that pricked Sleeping Beauty into a deep sleep.
Warped prints of roses and apples were turned into a contemporary camouflage, while pearls and rose jewelry were seen on dangling on the necklines and ears of the models.
Little Red Riding Hood and The Steadfast Tin Soldier
A color palette of red, black and white asserts itself throughout the collection with tulle skirts, gowns, and bar jackets. Hooded tartan capes and raincoats were reminiscent of Little Red Riding Hood, while a modern version of a toy soldier’s uniform was represented in blue cashmere coats, military jackets, and lurex jacquards embellished with a metallic shine.
Alice In Wonderland and The Wizard Of Oz
Alice and Dorothy’s innocent wardrobes venture into the dark side. Peter Pan collars, schoolgirl uniforms, and lace doll dresses were contrasted with leather boots and thorn-strapped Mary Jane pumps that could’ve been inspired by the brutal ruby pair in Hans Christian’s Wizard of Oz.
Dreamy eveningwear went down the rabbit hole with a two-toned chessboard gown adorned with silk roses. And for the show’s final look, a Queen of Hearts red tulle gown tamed with a heart-shaped bodice.
Aside from these fairytales, Dior also sourced inspiration from one of its ambassadors:
Blackpink’s Jisoo
As Dior’s new ambassador for both fashion and beauty, the K-Pop sensation Jisoo from Blackpink also served as inspiration for the line. The models’ dark smoky eyes paired with delicate silhouettes were an ode to Jisoo’s sweet but edgy style. Meanwhile, the additional Victorian flavor is also a nod to her love for accessorizing and layering with ‘60s-style headscarves, tulle, lace, and leather.
#StarsInDior
From Korea, Paris, England and the United States, here are the other stars who watched the show from all around the world dressed in head to toe Dior.
Model-Actress Irish Law in Dior S/S ’21 Silk Dress with Dior underwear and shoes, Russian Model Sasha Lush in Embellished Pink Dress and Pink Tartan Blazer, Korean Actress-Singer Bae Suzy in Navy Wool and Silk Dress with Dior Travel Vanity Case.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Dior Autumn-Winter 2021 show below:
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