Maria Grazia Chiuri presented Dior’s 2020 cruise collection in Marrakesh last weekend and invited journalists, editors and influencers to revel in a clashing of cultures, between Dior’s legendary craftsmanship and traditional African textiles. Chiuri linked up with the anthropologist and wax specialist Anne Grosfilley to create new versions of the house’s signature motifs – toile de Jouy and tarot cards – in African wax, made locally in collaboration with Uniwax. Dior made a step forward in acknowledging cultural appropriation and making sure an inspiration from a specific part of the world profits the people that have created it. Thus, many of the textiles were created in the Ivory Coast. 

Chiuri also invited Grace Wales Bonner and Mickalene Thomas who both got a chance to revisit the New Look silhouette. In the spectacular El Badi Palace, models walked down a pool lit by candles, creating a shimmering bed of lights. One would inevitably remember when Yves Saint Laurent was designing for Christian Dior in the 60s and named a coat after the Moroccan city. There is no doubt, Chiuri was subtly referencing the late designer who will forever have a mark on the house. Discover our backstage photos of the show below.

All photos by Frank Perrin.