For Dior’s autumn/winter 2023 collection, creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri referenced the simple and unfussied post-war state of 1950s fashion. She looked to femme French protagonists such as the likes of resistant fighter Catherine Dior and renowned singer Édith Piaf, who were liberated women that displayed strength through both their personal actions and respective sartorial autonomy.
The collection was one that was pared back and muted, with a heavy emphasis on darker shades and relaxed fits. Silhouettes were classic and timeless, evoking a sense of unparalleled confidence and sophistication. It was an accurate reflection of fashion—and on a wider scale, life—at the time. Clothing had to be functional and easy, accentuating the wearer’s physique while maintaining a relative level of modesty and class.
Effortless midi dresses, tartan cats and pencil skirts were the pieces in focus, while fleeting moments of jade and scarlet added subtle pizzazz amidst a sea of navy blue and jet black separates. Cropped leather jackets in supple calfskin provided the perfect outerwear choice for the season, while accessories such as an ankle-strapped heel and leather gloves seamlessly tied the allure and mystique together. There was a playful twist to some of the house signatures, such as the recognised Dior book tote bags presented in a size up and the flurry of top handles in a myriad of colours.
Keeping to the theme of personal identity, Vogue Singapore highlights the beauty and sensuality of a Dior woman through a pictorial spread for the collection. Looking beyond the clothes, everything is considered—from a sharp pixie cut to the thoughtful layering of jewellery and accessories. The model’s dainty poses remain poised and unabashed, reiterating that true female strength comes from within.
Photographer Zantz Han
Styling Jasmine Ashvinkumar
Hair Marc Teng
Make-up Lai Wee Ming using Dior
Manicure Ann Lim
Photographer’s assistants Chong Ng and Jaron Tay
Models Xingmeng Zhang/Mannequin
Pre-order your copy of the May/June ‘Guardian’ issue of Vogue Singapore online now or pick it up on newsstands from 4 September 2023.
