Dior’s Scottish Adventure: A Show to Remember

@@@@@

Bagpipes, Tartans, and Sporrans: Oh My!

Dior’s recent show in Scotland was unlike any other. Imagine the skirl of bagpipes echoing through the air, models strutting down the runway in three different styles of violet tartan, and sporrans swinging from belts instead of clutch bags. Dior hadn’t hosted a show in Scotland for 70 years, but Monday evening in Perthshire was spectacular.

A Perfect Match: Paris Meets Scotland

The grandeur of a Parisian fashion house met the natural beauty of Scotland, and it was a sight to behold. Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s designer, has likened the brand to the “national football team” of fashion. But the gardens of Drummond Castle, known for their appearance in movies like Rob Roy and TV series like Outlander, were just as glamorous. Under clear blue skies, the beautiful pathways of what is called “the Versailles of Scotland” became a dazzling runway.

A Scottish Influence

Chiuri’s designs were deeply inspired by Scotland. She traced maps of Scotland onto dresses, used Jacobean black velvets, wading gaiters, and incorporated a palette of yellows, purples, and greens. She drew these colors from the breathtaking landscapes she saw while visiting local tweed and cashmere suppliers. Chain mail details and sturdy leather boots hinted at Scotland’s fierce history. Fans of Game of Thrones would have appreciated these touches. Chiuri, being 60, also saw tartan through a punk lens, bringing in vibes of Vivienne Westwood and Mary, Queen of Scots.

Supporting Local Artisans

Chiuri not only celebrated Scottish beauty but also supported local artisans. Kilts for the collection were made with Samantha McCoach, a young Scottish designer who is revamping traditional styles for today’s generation. Harris Tweed, Johnstons of Elgin, and Esk Cashmere were all part of the production. According to Justine Picardie, an expert on Dior, this collaboration provided real work for Scottish businesses.

Honoring Textile Heritage

Backstage, Chiuri expressed her desire to highlight Scotland’s textile heritage. She pointed out that fashion should focus on the people who make the clothes, not just the brands. “When we talk about fashion now, we often speak about brands,” she said. “But really fashion is about people who make clothes, and I want to talk about them instead.”

A Grand Spectacle

The show was a grand event with 550 guests, including celebrities like Anya Taylor-Joy, Rosamund Pike, Geri Horner, and Emma Raducanu. The show paid homage to Dior’s last Scottish show in 1955 at the Gleneagles Hotel. Photos from that event were featured on trench coats and tote bags, celebrating Christian Dior’s connection to Scotland. One photo showed Dior happily watching his models from backstage, a moment Picardie described as one of the happiest she had seen of him. Dior’s memoirs mention Scotland’s beauty, which he admired greatly. Chiuri believes that Dior’s iconic bar jacket and pleated skirts were inspired by the elegant tweed jackets and kilts he saw in Scotland. The Gleneagles ballroom, though too small for today’s audience, now hosts an exhibition of Dior dresses.

Female Empowerment Through Fashion

Chiuri is passionate about using fashion as a means of female self-expression. This collection was inspired by Mary, Queen of Scots, a woman who fought for her freedom in a male-dominated society. Chiuri drew inspiration from “Embroidering Her Truth,” a biography by Clare Hunter. It explores how Mary used embroidery to send political messages while imprisoned. One model wore a corset with words like “Emotional, Moody, Difficult, Fierce, Nag” embroidered in gothic script, akin to a bold slogan T-shirt for a long-gone queen of Scotland.

This show was more than just fashion; it was a celebration of history, culture, and the timeless beauty of Scotland.