Dior puts Chinese elements in high fashion

As 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, Dior is once again taking part in the China International Import Expo.

During this event held in Shanghai from Tuesday to Sunday, Dior reaffirms its unbreakable ties with the country by presenting creations inspired by Chinese culture.

From Christian Dior and Marc Bohan to Maria Grazia Chiuri, Kim Jones and Victoire de Castellane, Dior's artistic directors have infused their collections with references to and dialogues with Chinese culture.

Sketches of the Chine ensemble by Christian Dior in 1948 and the Ombre Chinoise gown by Bohan in 1964 showcase the designers' passion for this incredible destination. Chiuri also drew inspiration from Chinese culture for the 2018 haute couture collection, revealed in exclusive shows in Shanghai. Silhouettes are staged alongside a spellbinding model by Jones for Dior men's Fall 2021 collection, on which Kenny Scharf's designs are transposed using the traditional dazi technique of Su embroidery, a craftsmanship listed as China's intangible cultural heritage.

The sketch of the superb La Deesse de Shanghai brooch by Castellane, inspired by an 18th century coral ornament, is also displayed in addition to the Dior Lady Art collaboration by Chinese artist Liang Yuanwei, who participated in this year's 9th edition of the Dior Lady Art project.

Initiated by Dior in 2016, Dior Lady Art invites international artists to re-imagine the Lady Dior handbag — one of the house's most memorable designs.

To extend this fabulous odyssey transcending borders, visitors will also discover Chinese artist Ai Jing's Flower Power #1 sculpture, a tribute to the resilience, courage and power of Miss Dior, the founding-couturier's beloved sister.

"This piece was specially created for Dior at the beginning of this year. In addition to paying tribute to Miss Dior, the artwork is also a tribute to all women who pursue freedom and strength," Ai explains.

Highlighting the creative prowess of the group's houses, the central space of the LVMH showcase features L'or de J'adore by Jean-Michel Othoniel, a jewelry set for the iconic J'adore perfume, re-imagined by Francis Kurkdjian, along with a reinterpretation of the Lady Dior bag by Huang Yuxing for the Dior Lady Art project.

In addition to Dior's main booth, the French pavilion also features Hybrid, a prodigious piece by Chinese artist Liu Fujie, created for the Lady Dior As Seen By project.