Cherry blossom trees are here, and so is the latest Dior collection. Giving us a break from the buzz from Paris runways, Maria Grazia Chiuri shifts to Kyoto to present a thoughtful exploration of cultural connection for the Fall 2025 season. Rooted in a dialogue between heritage and innovation, Maria draws deeply from cross-cultural inspiration, reflecting the timeless interplay between French haute couture and Japanese aesthetics.
The collection itself is a tactile exploration of this cultural fusion, unfolding through garments that marry craftsmanship with conceptual depth. At its core, the collection lies a reverent tribute to Monsieur Dior’s original fascination with the East, particularly his designs that created the graceful lines of the kimono. Chiuri builds on this legacy by revisiting the kimono jacket through a contemporary, feminist lens (something that can't be missed in every collection) influenced profoundly by her visit to Kyoto’s Love Fashion: In Search of Myself exhibition.
This encounter stirred a rich contemplation of how garments express identity, movement, and emotion — fundamental themes that shape the narrative arc of this collection. The intellectual and visual exchange is further enriched by references to Marc Bohan’s 1971 Tokyo show and the evocative characters of Japanese theatre, forming a poetic and imaginary map where East meets West in elegant synchrony.
Voluminous jackets and coats made from lustrous silk become wearable art, many of them cinched at the waist and etched with delicate sketches of Japanese gardens. The silhouettes — wide-legged trousers, elongated skirts, sheer flowing dresses — celebrate movement and softness while upholding a quiet strength. A palette grounded in profound blacks and soft neutrals gives way to jewel-toned accents like deep reds, sapphire blues, and glowing golds, bringing life and intensity to the serene base.
Motifs of cherry blossoms, both printed and hand-embroidered, bloom across sheer silks and cashmere, while golden garden patterns shimmer on ombré fabrics. Footwear choices underscore the collection’s balance of practicality and grace, with flat boots, lace-up sandals, and ballet flats grounding each look. From kimono-cut jackets tossed over denim to gowns that glisten with sequins and fringe, this collection is a graceful act of deconstruction — blending ease with elegance and offering a fresh, moving vision of modern femininity.
