On April 29th, Dior brought its resort 2020 shot Marrakesh, the first time the fashion house have ever hosted a major event in Morocco. Surprising since this is the city most closely associated with Yves Saint Laurent, who considered it his second home.
Against the stunning backdrop of the city's El Badi Palace gorgeous models walked around an enormous outdoor runway lit with floating tea lights.
The looks were inspired by African cultures and created in collaboration with local artisans.
Most notably, Maria Grazia Chiuri, artistic director of Dior, tapped LVMH prize-winning fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner (whose designs are often inspired by African cultures) and African-American artist Mickalene Thomas (whose work examines concepts of femininity, gender, race and diversity) to reinterpret the iconic “New Look” Bar jacket and a skirt. Dior milliner Stephen Jones created turbans and headpieces for the collection in partnership with Afro-Caribbean designer Martine Henry and Nigerian milliner Daniella Osemadewa. And Pathé’O, one of Africa’s most prominent designers, created a shirt for the show paying tribute to Nelson Mandela.
After the show, guests, including Lupita Nyong'o, Jessica Alba, Shailene Woodley and Karlie Kloss were served fresh coconut, couscous, and endless Champagne just before the grand finale: Diana Ross. Performing in a mirror-balled gown and Dior wedges, she sang “Ain’t No Mountain,” “Love Hangover,” “Upside Down,” and “I Will Survive,” among other classics. Vogue U.K. editor-in-chief Edward Enninful and makeup artist Daniel Martin found their way onto the stage, and as the night came to an end, everyone from the editors to the clients sang along.
The globe-trotting resort presentation is a growing trend. Prada and Louis Vuitton will present their cruise collections in New York in later this week (the latter at the TWA Flight Center on May 8). Jonathan Simkhai is showing in Australia on May 13; Alberta Ferretti will show in Monaco on May 18; Giorgio Armani is headed to Tokyo on May 24; and Gucci will touch down in Rome on May 28. In June, Max Mara will present in Berlin on June 3 and Chloe will show in Shanghai on June 5.
Stay tuned as we report on all the upcoming Resort 2020 shows!
Additional photos from Dior:
