The Musée Rodin in Paris played host to a dazzling event as guests, including prominent figures like Elizabeth Debicki and Rihanna, gathered for Dior’s highly anticipated Spring 2024 Haute Couture Show. The theme of the night was the alluring touch of fabric, as attendees found themselves immersed in the world of sensuous textiles.
Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, the walls of the venue were adorned with 23 monumental works by the legendary Italian textile artist Isabella Ducrot. These immense depictions of garments, standing an impressive five metres tall, were expertly woven on ancestral looms by the artisans of the Chanakya ateliers and School of Craft in Mumbai, India.
With a nod to Dior’s iconic designs of the 1950s, Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri masterfully incorporated Ducrot’s distorted textiles into the new couture collection. The show featured a revival of the beloved La Cigale dress from 1952, along with modern interpretations of other iconic pieces like the Bar suit and Mexique dress.
Chiuri’s designs showcased the exquisite use of moiré and velvet in shimmering shades of gold, burgundy, green, and Dior’s signature gray. The collection culminated in a stunning off-the-shoulder polka-dot ensemble, leaving guests in awe of Dior’s timeless elegance.
Aside from the grandeur of the runway, Ducrot’s remarkable textile works have also been showcased around the world. Her recent exhibition, “Il Miracoloso,” captivated art enthusiasts at the prestigious T293 gallery in Rome. In New York, Petzel Gallery on the Upper East Side presents “No Words,” a thought-provoking exhibition featuring her captivating works on paper.
Isabella Ducrot’s profound connection and dedication to textiles have defined her illustrious career. Whether through repurposing fragments of ancient textiles or engaging with contemporary fabrics, Ducrot’s work continues to push the boundaries of materiality and inspire audiences worldwide
