Dior Brings its Haute Couture Circus to Dubai

For its first fashion show in Dubai, the Maison also presented 15 new designs from its Haute Couture SS19 collection.

After a stunningly successful show in Paris this January, Dior has decided to bring its Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019 runway show to the UAE. The circus-inspired catwalk was showcased at Dubai’s Safa Park on Monday, 18 March.

The show first made waves when it debuted in Paris, not just because it featured acrobats hung suspended over the catwalk. The circus-inspired collection was first unveiled on Christian Dior’s 114th birthday. It pays homage to the iconic couturier, placing the world of circus at the heart of the show (Christian Dior was renowned for his love of the Cirque d‘Hiver).

Similarly, a harlequin-style set sat within a large big-top tent, tucked away at Dubai's famed Safa Park. Models walked the harlequin catwalk under a slew of acrobats, at times hanging over their heads. The performance transformed the event from humble catwalk show to a full-on spectacle. The performers were part of the exclusively female circus troupe, Mimbre, which Maria Grazia Chiuri decided to highlight at her show much like she did the dancers at Dior's Spring 2019 show.

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From a fashion perspective, it was the Pierrot ruff collars and veiled bonnets that stole the show. Ruff collars have been reimagined in extra-large, tulle or two-tone versions. It’s the perfect modern-day appropriation of this Victorian fashion staple. Elsewhere, the bonnet – which by now has become somewhat of a catwalk staple accessory of Maria Grazia Chiuri – this time featured a veil, complete with rhinestones.

Inspired by the circus's inclusivity, the collection’s jewellery featured necklaces and bracelets with interlocking gold hands. Chiuri also referenced Dior’s 2019 cruise collection, in that the animal kingdom was well represented. Horses and elephant motifs were rife, either printed or embroidered on shirts under the slogan, "Dior Dream Parade".

There were 83 looks in all, with many models wearing glittery skullcaps fastened under their chin (think Amelia Earhart meets Pierrot – the famous French mime outfit). Just for the show, which is its first in Dubai, Dior also presented 15 new designs, including a polka-dotted tulle gown and a minidress featuring glittering, multi-coloured folds of a supersized ruff collar.

Discover the collection below:

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