Dior presented its Autumn/Winter 2020-21 Haute Couture with Le Mythe Dior; a unique whimsical film, broadcast online today (6th July 2020). The collection, designed by Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri took the viewers to a fantasy world of magic and beauty that will make the audience dream.
The film was created by one of Italy’s most highly acclaimed film directors Matteo Garrone. Designed to not tell a story, but to evoke emotions and present the inspirations for the collection. It was a fairytale celebration of the Ateliers and their excellence of savoir-faire.
Shot in Garrone’s signature style using powerful plays on shadow and light beautiful Haute Couture creations come to life as if by magic. The film brings to life the journey between the imaginary worlds that inhabit the collection. We see the juxtaposition of a fantasy world, while work continues in the Dior Atelier creating the Haute Couture pieces – representing the coming together of two magical universes.
For the collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri was inspired by surrealist art, a perfect way to interpret the surreal world we are living in currently. Ahead of the release of the film the Creative Director said: “Surrealist images manage to make visible what is in itself invisible. I’m interested in mystery and magic, which are also a way of exorcising uncertainty about the future.”
It was the work of three particular artists that inspired this collection. Lee Miller, Dora Maar and Jacqueline Lamba, who transcended the role of “muses” to which their beauty had initially relegated them in order to champion – in their lives and surrealist works – a different kind of femininity. This is the attitude that forms the basis of the Haute Couture collection, an idea that is connected, attuned to nature and transformation.
In the film, the Haute Couture designs are presented on miniature mannequins, travelling on a journey through a fantastical world. A colour palette inspired by the artists’ works we see gradients of red, like a coral reef swaying in the ocean. Materials are soft and floaty, capturing the moment.
Day looks included suits, created in men’s fabrics featuring exceptional architecture representing a virtuoso feat. A coat reveals pleated layers. Draping evokes antique statues. Luminescence sublimates the grey and golden yellow tones, offering a dazzling brilliance.
The grand finale was a full lace wedding dress, made completely by hand and representing tradition, taking us to another world.
Each of the looks was created in a miniature version, completely by hand by the Dior Ateliers. Highlighting the attention to detail that goes into every Haute Couture piece.
This collection allowed us to dream. Dream of better times another place or dream for the future. Maria Grazia Chiuri truly captured the moment in which we are living.
