The Christian Dior Fall 2021 Haute Couture collection exalts the links between architecture, nature and textiles.

Continuing her reflection on the foundations and essence of couture, from the structure of the fabric to the cut, Maria Grazia Chiuri for this collection dreamt up architectural silhouettes with new volumes. She reinvented traditional construction lines, juxtaposing shapes, materials and colors.

Knitwear metamorphoses into delicate mesh knits while braiding serves as a key structural detail to assemble the different parts of the dresses. Like a dreamlike ode, pleats are reinvented through subtle gradations or integrated in the very construction of the dress thanks to a process inspired by basket-weaving techniques. Poetic punctuations, and expressions of virtuoso savoir-faire.

A series of looks enhanced with precious patchworks combining satin and velvet with raised motifs are illuminated with flowers, an ode to Catherine Dior, an inspirational figure and heroine who affirmed her identity through the cultivation of flowers. Patchwork is also a symbol of solidarity, bringing together women from all walks of life, from the suffragettes who made banners to claim the legitimacy of their struggle to the Dutch women’s circles who crafted “liberation skirts” from scraps of floral fabric. Looks imbued with a free spirit.

Attending the Dior Haute Couture show from Maria Grazia Chiuri, a selection of guests and models – including Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain and Monica Bellucci – talk about the craft of embroidery and pick out their favorite pieces from the collection.