You wouldn’t expect the pristine Dior Lisbon boutique to be crawling with insects, lizards, cows, and crabs. But it is indeed with Joana Vasconcelos’ fabric creatures, that is. Precipitated by the Maison's Fall/Winter 2024 ready-to-wear show, the partnership represents an aesthetic dialogue between Dior’s Artistic Director Maria Grazia Chiuri and the artist. Vasconcelos’ creatures are often placed next to the latest pieces – a wolf howls up at a tweed jacket, a snake slithers past a handbag, a crustacean peeps out behind a bright red dress.
The animals bear the renowned Portuguese artist’s distinct mark—bright, loud, and larger-than-life. Their composition of lace, crochet, and embroidery comes together especially well when surrounded by textiles. The colors echo at times with the clothes, but are sometimes also in contrast. In any case, the artist invites us to look at each fashion piece with a different perspective. The exhibit, though new, encapsulates the long-time partnership between the Maison and artists: an homage to Monsieur Dior’s passion for both fashion design and art collection.