Maria Grazia Chiuri Finds Common Ground in Marrakesh for Dior
Maria Grazia Chiuri sought to create a cultural conversation with their Spring Summer 2020 show entitled “Common Ground” in Marrakesh. The once hedonistic playground of former Dior couturier Yves Saint Laurent was where the designer decided to present her collection at El Badi Palace. The designer consulted anthropologist, Anne Grosfilley throughout the entire collection and the text "Racism Explained to My Daughter" by Tahar Ben was a pivotal influence for the show.
Click below to see our highlights from the show.
Christian Dior Makeup’s Creative and Image Director, Peter Phillips the master of “no makeup” once again brought the girls natural beauties to the forefront. Proudly stating that he used the “entire range of Dior Backstage Face and Body foundation” which has 40 shades, Phillips said of the overall goal was to create a pure and luminous look that reveals natural beauty.
Image courtesy of Christian Dior makeup
Maria Grazia Churri worked with collaborators to promote cultural appreciation and emphasize the importance of local craftsmanship. Wax print fabrics were produced in collaboration with Uniwax. The opening look- a beige wool coat was hand painted by the women of the Anti Atlas region. Chiuri invited 2016 LVMH Young Designer Prize Winner Grace Wales Bonner as well as artist Mickalene Thomas to reimagine the Bar Jacket. The designer also worked with Pathe ‘O to create a shirt dedicated to Nelson Mandella.
One way to find common ground is to find a performer that is universally loved like Ms. Diana Ross. The godmother of Mowtown arrived at the show wearing a voluminous black dress and then blessed the crowd with a performance in a dazzling silver couture number with a cape.
Image via Instagram / @dior
Yves Saint Laurent once head designer at Dior, first an assistant to Mr. Dior in 1955, then presenting his first collection in 1958 was a longtime lover of Marrakesh. Buying a property there in 1968, the designer found inspiration in the cities freedom. The Musée Yves Saint Laurent opened in 2017 in Marrakech.
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech, image by Nicolas Mathéus
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