Dior’s Cruise 2022 show was held at the Panathenaic Stadium, an ancient sports stadium in Athens. A world-renowned sporting landmark in a city steeped in Greek Mythology, it was the perfect setting for Maria Grazia Chiuri’s sporty-themed Cruise collection for Dior. Grazia Chiuri plays with house classics like the Bar Jacket and Cannage print. Newer house staples are present too, like the thick guitar straps which accompany many of Dior’s iconic bags.
I’ve always viewed the ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses as a stylish group but this collection has reaffirmed my adoration for what’s been dubbed ‘Greek chic’.
Models walked the runway in flowing sheer cream dresses paired with gold belts and white and metallic chunky trainers. I’m sure this is what competing athletes wore at the first Olympics when it was held at the stadium in 1896.
Grazia Chiuri’s collection focuses on Dior’s signature codes of style, only modernised and with a focus on wearability.
Needless to say, I’m sure Goddess Athena, the Olympian Goddess of wisdom and war and patroness of Athens, would approve.
In this post, I’m going to share with you my favourite looks and pieces from this simply magnificent collection.
Allow me to explain. In 1947, Christian Dior shook up the fashion scene when he launched his ‘New Look’. His ultra-feminine and opulent aesthetic was revolutionary at the time as it signalled a return to the glamour and sophistication that women’s fashion had enjoyed before World War II. Grazia Chiuri’s Cruise 2022 collection presents many iconic elements of the ‘New Look’, such as the Bar Jacket and pleats, but in a more relaxed and contemporary way.
In doing so, she creates a new take on Dior’s ‘New Look’ for the modern woman.
Grazia Chiuri has prioritized comfort and functionality of clothes ever since she arrived at Dior.
However, for this collection she takes this to the extreme, choosing to centre her designs on the freedom of movement which clothes give. An indisputable staple of Dior’s 1947 ‘New Look’, which has subsequently become a house classic, is the Bar Jacket. Grazia Chiuri presents this iconic Dior piece for Cruise 2022 in a crisp white shade and unstructured.
This relaxed take on the classic is sleek, smart and wearable.
For the show, in true 1947 ‘New Look’ fashion, it was paired with a pleated midi skirt. And for the finishing touch, the model wore Christian Dior embossed socks.
Pleats also feature in a series of floor-length sheer cream gowns godly enough to befit Greek Mythology figures. Some dresses are slightly toga-esque in design. Interesting piece of toga trivia – the garment did not actually originate with the Greeks!
Regardless of the design origin, Grazia Chiuri’s take on the ancient flowing dress is simply sublime.
Pleats also feature in a series of floor-length sheer cream gowns godly enough to befit Greek Mythology figures.
I can picture myself somewhere exotic donning one of these designs whilst being fanned and fed grapes. Another gorgeous gown from the collection is adorned with blue and lilac coloured figures which look as if they have been painted onto the dress’ white background with watercolours.
But this collection isn’t all about whimsical dresses and romantic Cruise looks.
Grazia Chiuri’s offering includes functional everyday pieces which I’m predicting will soon become part of my Dior essentials. My favourite? An amazing pair of cream straight leg suit trousers which I cannot wait to don. The style also comes in knee-length shorts too. On the runway, it was worn with a Greek Goddess style halterneck top and a gold belt. This whole ensemble looks party ready (can we just appreciate the difficulty of making knee-length shorts look party ready).
One particular piece from the collection reminds me of an iconic look from John Galliano’s days at Dior. Grazia Chiuri’s full-length trench coat in an elaborate monochrome print is reminiscent of Galliano’s famous newspaper print trench from his Fall 2000 ready-to-wear collection for the house. Grazia Chiuri also presents a cream trench coat cinched in at the waist with a gold belt before flowing outwards, another classic element of the 1947 ‘New Look’.
Remember that swan dress singer Björk wore to the 2001 Oscars? Or failing that, the swan dress from the 2004 comedy White Chicks? Well, this dress, which essentially wraps the wearer in a giant faux swan, has become part of pop culture and is regarded as one of the most iconic dresses of all time.
Dior recreates this famous dress for Cruise 2022.
Grazia Chiuri’s design is floor-length and features tiered layers of white sheer material and, crucially, a faux swan neck wrapped around the model’s neck.
This collection’s sport theme is seen in the wearability and relaxed fit of the clothes.
But that’s not to say that there aren’t any covetable sporty ensembles.
One of my favourite looks features a fitted crop top and gym leggings with a cropped zipped hoodie and shorts worn over the top, complete with chunky trainers and socks bearing the designer’s name. All feature an intricate white and cobalt blue print, reminiscent of Dior’s delicate Toile de Jouy pattern. This look is making me actually want to get off of the couch and start working out.
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What are your thoughts on the new Dior Cruise 2022 collection? What is your favourite look from the show?
