DIOR

THE HAUTE COUTURE SPRING-SUMMER 2023 COLLECTION

For this show, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior women’s lines, was inspired in particular by Joséphine Baker, the African-American singer and dancer who left the United States in the mid-1920s for a multi-creative Paris.

Iconic, glamorous and committed, she embodies the modernity of those years, the mixing of cultures and shared experiences that notably animated the vibrant world of cabaret, from New York to the City of Light.

Delicate pieces, emblematic of Dior’s exceptional savoir-faire, come to life in a scenographic narrative –specially envisioned by artist Mickalene Thomas –composed of giant portraits of extraordinary personalities symbolizing a new pantheon of women.

Razane Jammal, Dior’s Brand Ambassador, attended the show amongst other celebrities. She wore a Dior Cruise 2023 black and white embroidered jacket, black silk shirt and black pants along with a Dior hat, bag and shoes.

The artist Mickalene Thomas, who has envisioned the setting of theDior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2023défilé, unveils her inspirations:

“The inspiration for the creative process developed through conversation about the importance of Blackfemale role models that broke racial barriers by going against the grain and creating a new platform formany others. In choosing these thirteen phenomenal Black women, across continents, the considerationwas to research a diverse and eclectic group of women with the odds set against them. In spaces thatattempted to reject or impede their success, they persevered with confidence, elegance, beauty and talent. All of these Noirest beauhave achieved and accomplished incredible feats that warrant this notablecelebration with a brand like Dior.

Lena Horne once wrote to Ophelia DeVore,“It is true that you knew how beautiful black can be beforethe concept became commercial. More significantly, you did something about it.”From Donyale Luna and Naomi Sims, some of the first Black supermodels, to Dorothy Dandridge, the first Black woman to benominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, this group of women represent many firsts that defiedthe obstacles put in their way.

It was Helen Williams who was one of Ophelia DeVore’s first clients at hermodeling agency, breaking down the racial barriers in modeling. It was Hazel Scott who became the firstBlack woman to host her own TV show. It is because of their determination and sacrifices, breaking barriersin TV, film, fashion and social activism, that I am able to make this work and be the artist I am today.”