This page is referenced by:

• 1 media/dior.jpg 2021-01-22T07:58:05+00:00 Dior A/W 2020-2021 Fashion Show 12 image_header 2021-01-25T06:02:24+00:00 Every time I talk about “high fashion,” I find myself defending it. What makes any piece of fabric worth thousands of dollars? Even in that very sentence, I used “piece of fabric” when obviously these pieces are much more than a yard of cotton. The type of pieces I’m referencing are those from major fashion houses and luxury brand names. The type of pieces that would be archived and possibly curated in a museum exhibit. Typically, such pieces and collections are reflective and indicative of society. For example, the art piece for today is a recent Christian Dior Fashion Show. As you’ll notice, installations in the show’s setting evoke sentiments of the MeToo movement and general awareness of mistreatment towards womxn. Shows like this is where I find some value in designer pieces. Although I would love to talk about my favorite looks, the symbolism and occurrence of the show is what’s at the forefront of my thoughts. It is monumental that a brand dedicated a show, physically and explicitly, to women and their empowerment. It’s also undeniably reflective of the progressive values most of society, at least mainstream culture, is adopting. The only issue I have with this piece, although it is complete, what does it continue to say? For that, I look to the artist. The director of this show was Maria Grazia Chiuri. I think this was a beautiful homage to current events, but how far does one fashion show send a message? In some critiques I read about the show, they said that Chiuri’s idea was an excellent strategy in terms of press. I’d like to think that all womenswear brands are always including and supporting womxn whether it be in their clothing sizes and styles or philanthropy. Unfortunately, speaking as someone who loves to buy clothes and makeup, that is not the case. I think Chiuri’s vision is good for the company and, clearly, the show was not a failure. However, I found Chiuri’s effort to push this message through the brand to be pretty insignificant. Then again, how much can a designer brand preach about equality and equity? I didn’t see any remnants of this show to appear in the subsequent Dior Cruise 2021 Collection and Dior Spring-Summer 2021 Show. I think these shows highlighted other things and represented other ideas of value, but it was completely different than the last. That’s okay, but it felt like the Autumn-Winter Show concept was inspired by public favor.  All three videos are available on YouTube.
  
  I do believe that by designing beautiful, quality pieces for womxn, one is attempting to make womxn feel beautiful and of quality. Nowadays, I think brands can do so much more and push the envelope on what it means to be trendy, valuable, and worthy of attention(whether it be from yourself or others). A fashion show that I think does this was easily Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show. It is a lingerie and loungewear show for all genders and shapes. It is as creative and thoughtful as any other show (and it’s actually somewhat affordable). The full show is available on Amazon Prime.