Dior presented its Cruise 2026 collection yesterday evening in the gardens of the Villa Albani Torlonia, Rome.
The show, directed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior’s women’s lines, combined haute couture and ready-to-wear pieces, paying homage to the Eternal City’s cultural and artistic history.
The collection draws inspiration from the life of Mimì Pecci-Blunt, a prominent 20th-century figure in Rome, Paris, and New York. Chiuri reactivated Mimì’s world through a concept called Bal de l’Imagination, inspired by the opulent events she once hosted. This approach sought to create a synthesis of the arts and explore the blurred boundaries between reality and fantasy, with elements of both poetic intuition and magical realism.
The designs showcased a blend of historical fashion references and contemporary styles. Vests borrowed from men’s tailoring, often detailed with lapels, were paired with long, full skirts and tailcoats. Dresses featured fine lace or were contrasted with bas-relief patterns. Military-style jackets with black edges and buttons were incorporated into the collection, alongside dresses reminiscent of chasubles.
Short dresses in black and red velvet punctuated the predominantly white colour palette, a nod to the Fontana sisters, famed for dressing Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita. A golden velvet dress added a striking highlight to the runway.
The collection’s central theme revolved around white, expressed through a variety of materials ranging from dense fabrics to lighter textiles. Each design contributed to a choreographed visual narrative, likened to a farandole where elements existed both individually and collectively.
Production and direction for the event were managed by Bureau BETAK, with a film by Matteo Garrone titled Les Fantômes du Cinéma complementing the show. Music direction was handled by Michel Gaubert and Oliver Coates, performed by the Roma Sinfonietta orchestra. The creative team included choreographers Imre and Marne Van Opstal, and artwork was provided by Pietro Ruffo.
Actor costumes were created by Tirelli Trappetti, with shoes by Christian Dior and hats by Stephen Jones. Make-up was by Peter Philips for Dior, and hair styling was by Guido Palau. Casting was led by Michelle Lee, with styling by Yann Steiner and lighting by Philippe Cerceau. The event video was produced by Tender Night.
Dior’s Cruise 2026 collection reinterpreted Rome’s historical and cultural narratives through a contemporary lens, blending fashion, art, and performance into a cohesive presentation.
