Dior's 2018 Cruise Collection was unveiled in Los Angeles, USA on May 11th (local time). Artistic Director Maria Grazia Chiuri chose the vast Upper Las Vegas Canyon Open Space Preserve, located on the outskirts of Los Angeles, as the setting for her first cruise collection. The runway, lined with giant hot air balloons and tents, created a grandeur reminiscent of the American pioneer era.



Maria Grazia's journey through the heritage of her house seems to have taken her all the way back to the Lascaux caves, which inspired the "Oval" line launched by Christian Dior in 1951. The collection features images of ancient, simple women connected to the earth, such as the prehistoric Venus of Willendorf statuette, as well as animals such as horses, cows, and wolves that emerged from the Lascaux caves, which French philosopher Georges Bataille called "the dawn of mankind," borne on the finest silk jacquard to express women exuding a wild spirit. The silhouettes retained the feminine proportions and grace that are characteristic of the Maison, but were adapted to match the contemporary backdrop. Voluminous fringes adorned the hems of skirts and knit capes, while sheer skirts were given a safari feel with snakeskin and feather patterns. Sporty elements intermingled with haute couture, reborn as abstract embellishments. Her signature tulle evening dresses were given a new lease of life with beautiful embroidery in earth tones. The straw hats styled with every look were designed by milliner Stephen Jones. Their designs, featuring cave painting motifs accented with turquoise and beads, helped to elevate the mood of the collection. Furthermore, tarot motifs and reinterpreted bar jackets remain popular this season. The Death card from the Motherpeace tarot deck, created by Karen Vogel and Vicki Noble in the 1970s, was delicately embroidered onto a long black dress, while the Bar jacket, crafted from black denim, stood out as a symbolic piece that embodied the spirit of Maria Grazia and her respect for the house, among the 84 looks in the collection.