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Maria Grazia Chiuri beautifully executed the Dior Autumn-Winter 2022 collection (Dior AW22), which graced the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week. She explored the connection between fashion and technology. Corseted waists, shoulder pads and harnesses featured throughout the collection. All of these features gave the collection a futuristic armour feel. Alongside traditional Dior looks, to which we have become accustomed, of course.

The show opened in darkness, with a black bodysuit laced with neon lights serving as the only source of light in the room. The fluorescent green wire lit up the outline of a feminine figure gracefully making its way down the catwalk. Top model Steinberg made her way down the catwalk as the house lights came up, revealing her look. The show was in collaboration with the Dynamic Autonomy and Intelligent Robotics Lab. The collaboration aimed to blur the distinction between fashion and technology beyond its usual parameters.

The Collection

One of my favourite looks in the collection was this one, which featured a long black gown with a high neckline. I found that this look was reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in the film classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s. To me, the black dress mimicked the silhouette and high neckline of Holly Golightly’s iconic little black dress. A highlight here is the styling of the hair with a jewel-encrusted hairband. However, in contrast to the famous opera gloves, the Dior gloves took a futuristic approach.

The gloves played with the traditional femininity of the look by incorporating a bulkier and more masculine element.

Similarly, I liked the overtly feminine jewel-encrusted strapless gown paired with futuristic army-like boots. That felt like something you would see in a sci-fi film. The experimentation between an almost armour-like technological look and these traditionally feminine dresses created a fun show. The pieces defied traditional fashion norms and highlighted the intersections between the past and the future. Not to mention the intersection of fashion and technology, of course.

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Technology

The experimentation with technology added to the innovative feel of the collection. Maria also experimented with a grungier aesthetic, diverging from the usual trends. Experimenting with black tulle and asymmetrical hemlines, these looks were my personal favourite staples from the Dior AW22 collection. They felt both dainty and delicate but also edgier compared to some of the later gowns. These dresses were suited to the return of the early 2000s’ pop-punk aesthetic. It has experienced a resurgence in fashion among celebrities, such as Olivia Rodrigo, over the past year or so. 

Final Thoughts on Dior AW22

The end of the show was clear as day. The looks transitioned from being futuristic and modern to various flowing gowns. I felt that the gowns were regressive rather than progressive. These looks seemed to be inspired by the Greek goddesses rather than the technological advancement that inspired the earlier looks.

Another stunning look that caught my eye was the closing look (shift dress) that featured an intricate golden neckpiece. The neckpiece perfectly complemented the gown and epitomised ethereality. The ethereal look was present throughout the final dresses in the collection.

Similarly, the green and black floor-length looks were ethereal, featuring a free and flowing structure with cape-like details. The choice of colours drew them away from the traditional goddess image seen in collections. But they worked perfectly to create gowns inspired by the aesthetic with the integrated autumn-winter colour palette.

Featured image credit: Dior.