This year, the Dior fashion house has chosen a very unique and spectacular location for the presentation of its 2020 cruise collection – the ancient El Badi Palace in Marrakesh. This place was selected for the reason. The Creative Director of Dior – Maria Grazia Chiuri, has always been fascinated by pan-African art. Also, Yves Saint Laurent expressed his love for Morocco in his first collections for a fashion house. This year’s Dior Cruise 2020 Show was held in the evening when the sun was already behind the horizon. Lighted candles added a mysterious atmosphere and emphasised the castle’s power and authenticity of the event. The collection has become a unique combination of African culture and the charm of a famous French fashion house. The podium was located around a large swimming pool, on the surface of which swam lighted candles and at the centre was burning fire.
To inspire and work on the design of this collection, the designer has joined artists and artisans from various African cultures. Mickalene Thomas (a contemporary African-American artist) and Grace Wales Bonner (Jamaican-British designer whose works highlight the symbiosis of European and African fashion) have worked over the new look for the Dior of New Look image. Despite numerous collaborations in this collection, the outfits have not lost the familiar and recognisable elements for us: midi dresses and shorten pantsuits. French sensuality and femininity through an individual African style.
The fabrics have images of tropical plants, wild animals and patterns resembling local landscapes. Costumes of “tapestry” fabric, dresses in magnificently embroidered linen, poncho and voluminous coats combine French elegance and elegance of African images.
Particular attention deserves several dresses that stand out against the background of the entire collection. Lace, in shades of milk and white, looked very brightly next to colourful outfits, mostly in the dark or military colours. They seemed especially delicate and feminine.
The images were complemented by minimalistic sandals or high leather boots with fringe. Heads of models were decorated with bandages, and in their hands’ girls held wicker bags. Not without the Dior brand logo on wide belts. Small but vital details – jewellery. Pearl necklace with pendants in the form of lions, elephants, giraffes and other local African animals.
The show ended with a concert-surprise for all guests – a concert by Diana Ross. She was wearing a bright, long silver dress. To complete the show, Diana performed several legendary hits.
