Fashion
For Maria Grazia Chiuri, bringing the Dior Cruise 2026 show to Rome was both a homecoming and a challenge.
A decade after her last presentation in the Eternal City—the breathtaking Mirabilia Romae haute couture show for Valentino—she returned with a spectacle that melded history, cinema, and fashion in a way only she could envision.
Held at the enchanting Villa Albani Torlonia, an 18th-century treasure trove of Greco-Roman antiquities rarely open to the public, the show was a grand production worthy of Rome’s legendary Cinecittà studios. As artificial mist swirled across the parterre and raindrops began to fall (only to fade as the models emerged), the setting became a dreamscape—one where Renaissance opulence met modern femininity.
Chiuri’s collection was a masterclass in storytelling, with diaphanous cream and white gowns floating alongside dramatic crimson and black velvet columns. Androgynous outerwear—think military tailcoats, peaked trench capes, and sleek motorcycle jackets—added a touch of Dietrich-esque power, while intricate lace and gold-fringed capes exuded regal grandeur.
In a nod to Italian cinematic history, she collaborated with famed costume house Tirelli to recreate iconic looks from films like *The Leopard* and The Age of Innocence. The result? A wardrobe fit for a modern-day princess—or a silver-screen siren.
Though the grandeur of the venue occasionally overshadowed the meticulous craftsmanship, standout pieces like a scalloped, bead-dusted slip dress and a gold-fringed cape ensured Chiuri’s vision shone through. If this marks her final bow at Dior after nine transformative years, she leaves with a triumphant ode to Rome—and to the timeless allure of women who wear her designs.
A show of marvels, indeed.
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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied
