“I was so lucky that Anne Grossfille introduces me to the most important designer in Africa, Pathe’O”, says Maria Grazia Chiuri. Engaging in an informal conversation about fabrics, prints, patronage, and techniques, Dior’s creative director and Monsieur Pathe’O go through the looks and details of the French maison’s latest Cruise 2020 collection, which was presented on Monday in Marrakech.
“Toile de joy sauvage, and here we have the tropical as well” explains Chiuri to Pathe’O while she drives him around the atelier, showing him all the fabrics of which she’s clearly proud of. The collaboration between both designers translated into a blue shirt featuring Nelson Mandela’s face inside a circle, outside of which we can read ‘Hommage à Nelson Mandela’. “It’s a moment you might call a chance encounter”, says the Abidjan-based designer. “For us, it’s truly historic. We weren’t expecting this”, he continues. Because even though he’s one of the most renowned designers in Africa, collaborating with Dior is a luxury that very few can brag about.