Dior Documentary Delves Behind the Scenes of Cruise Show in Scotland
Dior is continuing its tradition of documenting its cruise shows with a behind-the-scenes look into Maria Grazia Chiuri’s collection unveiled in Scotland in June.
The “Dior in Scotland” documentary shows how Chiuri, artistic director of women’s collections, prepared for the show staged in the grand, Italianate gardens at the 15th-century Drummond Castle by delving into feminist historian Clare Hunter’s essay “Embroidering Her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power.”
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It traces the artistic process from the initial inspirations culled from the Dior archives, including black-and-white images from the 1955 spring show, which took place in the ballroom of the Gleneagles Hotel, to collaborations with Scottish artisans.
Chiuri visited Scotland multiple times, making trips to Johnstons of Elgin weaving mill; examining Esk Cashmere’s Fair Isle and other traditional knitwear designs, and delving into the archives at Robert Mackie, which makes ceremonial headwear worn by the Scottish military regiments.
She flew to the Outer Hebrides to watch how Harris tweed woolens are made (by artisans, often farmers, who weave in their homes on treadle looms) and worked with the collective on a special tartan for the collection. The film also features the artist Pollyanna Johnson and Samantha McCoach, the founder of the brand Le Kilt.
“The country is very cinematic and so present in our imagination,” Chiuri told WWD ahead of the show.
“It’s poetic, romantic and like a fairytale place with all the castles. Think about how the outdoor culture of the country has influenced designers like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen — to name a few. I wasn’t surprised that Mr. Dior was fascinated by this country and its textiles,” she added.
“Dior in Scotland” will go live on the French fashion house’s YouTube channel on Wednesday.
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