Dior Pre-Fall 2024 in New York ” As if… tribute to Marlene Dietrich”. Story by Eleonora de Gray, Editor-in-Chief of RUNWAY RIVISTA. Foto per gentile concessione: Dior.

New York, NY – In a stunning turn of events that shocked precisely no one, Dior’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection, masterminded by Maria Grazia Chiuri, landed in the Big Apple with the subtlety of a freedom-loving French Statue wielding a giant baguette. The collection, a sartorial salute to the ongoing love affair between New York and Paris, proves that when fashion capitals collide, the fallout is fabulously wearable.

The show, set against the backdrop of a painstakingly recreated blend of the Paris skyline mashed into Times Square with lighted up 2 hands forming “heart” (such original approach), opened with a procession of models strutting in Statue of Liberty prints so vibrant, tourists nearby began queuing for tickets to climb them. Alongside Lady Liberty were splashes of the Eiffel Tower, which appeared on several pieces, reminding everyone that yes, even monumental iron towers can pull off a chic look if draped by Maria Grazia Chiuri.

The heart of the collection paid homage to Marlene Dietrich, the ultimate symbol of cultural bridge-building, with a wardrobe that could diplomatically resolve any fashion faux pas. Maria Grazia Chiuri, taking a cue from Dietrich’s unapologetic blend of femininity and masculine tailoring, presented a line of tweed that could only be described as “what the English countryside would wear if it went to a cocktail party in Manhattan.” Monsieur Dior himself might have noted that tweeds have indeed “extended their use,” right into the land of skyscrapers and yellow cabs.

But this particular collection doesn’t have a face of Marlene Dietrich, in fact this collection simply has “No face” at all.

Not content to leave any fabric unturned, Chiuri reimagined satin, velvet, and crepe in ways that would make even the most stoic of 1940s film stars swoon. The lace-encrusted slip dresses, layered under coats so large they could host their own after-party, spoke of a New York winter so glamorous, even the Statue of Liberty might consider a wardrobe update.

As if the clothes weren’t enough to distract from the current state of the world, the embroidery on some pieces featured brooches so intricate, conspiracy theorists suggest they contain coded messages from Monsieur Dior himself. The knitwear was a highlight, showing off a level of inventiveness usually reserved for tech startups trying to pitch the next big app for organizing your sock drawer.

In true Dior fashion, the collection ended with a parade of what can only be described as “if a Parisian café and a New York diner had a love child, but abandoned it.” The models, donning outfits that screamed “I’ll take my espresso martini with a side of freedom fries, please,” served up a final look so compelling, the audience was left wondering what kind of mismatch they just saw.

All in all, Dior’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection is less of a prelude to fall and more of a full-blown cultural exchange program—sartorial scholarships included. Here’s to hoping your closet qualifies. Cheers, Maria Grazia, for reminding us that fashion, like the cities of New York and Paris, is ever-evolving, always audacious, and forever fabulous, but not appealing to you with your “Butch Couture”.

Scopri tutti i look Dior Pre-Autunno 2024