Her Dior: Couture Meets Feminism
They still exist today: Moments that make (fashion) history. A very special one stands at the beginning of the new illustrated book "Her Dior: Maria Grazia Chiuri's New Voice". Or rather, it graces the cover of the 240-page book by Dior: it is the iconic T-shirt from designer Maria Grazia Chiuri's first collection, which was sent down the catwalk at her first show at the creative helm of the French luxury house. "We Should All Be Feminists" is emblazoned in large letters on the otherwise simple design. A clear and bold message, even in 2016, that has since defined Chiuri's work and shaped Dior's incomparable aesthetic.
Snapshots:
Fashion and women's rights - this is not always a love story. Not only historical horror stories such as the invention of the corset, but also the inglorious chapters that have recently been brought to light by the #metoo movement give cause for reflection on the industry, which has so far been dominated by male designers. But like every art form, of which fashion is one of the applied branches, social criticism also has its place, and so thanks to pioneers like Maria Grazia Chiuri, the previous opposites are now merging. She is no longer fighting alone - not only numerous designers are at her side, but also a whole series of photographers and models. Some of them - you can guess - have also put their talent to work for Dior in recent years. Their commitment is to be honoured in the latest illustrated book of the house. The book, published by Rizzoli, contains an impressive 160 works and artistic dialogues between Chiuri and 33 photographers such as Brigitte Niedermair, Sarah Moon, Lean Lui and Janette Beckman.
Versatile perspectives:
The works are as varied as the women in front of or behind the camera: from melancholy black-and-white photographs to fantastically staged image compositions that play with abstraction, "each of which represents a unique reflection of an interpretation of the feminine in the plural," as Dior says. The fashion creations of past seasons also catch the eye, with both haute couture designs and ready-to-wear excerpts finding their place.
Because feminism in fashion these days also means designs by modern women for their contemporaries - and this also implies issues such as diversity and body positivity. Maria Grazia Chiuri is the voice of a new generation that is making history.
A sequel? It's sure to follow - next season at the latest.
