Moscow: This year marks the 120th anniversary of legendary designer Christian Dior, celebrating his influential visit to the USSR. Designer Artem Terentyev highlights how Dior’s experiences shaped his iconic collections, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion industry that continues to inspire today.

This year marks a significant milestone in the fashion world, commemorating the 120th anniversary of the birth of the renowned French designer Christian Dior, the founder of his illustrious fashion house. Dior’s contributions to the industry continue to resonate, particularly following his historic trip to the USSR in the early 1930s, where he found inspiration in the vibrant architecture and cultural heritage of Moscow.

Artem Terentyev, a contemporary fashion designer and founder of his own clothing brand, spoke to “Evening Moscow” regarding Dior’s transformative visit to Russia. According to Terentyev, the designer’s time in the country left a lasting impression. Dior himself once remarked about his voyage to the USSR, stating, “The journey to the USSR brought me many unexpected surprises — I was fascinated by the culture of this country and its past.” This encounter profoundly influenced his creative process, leading him to conceptualise iconic collections that would forever alter the landscape of fashion.

The most notable example of this influence is the Spring-Summer 1955 collection that featured names such as “Prince Igor,” “Dushka,” “Caspian,” “Caviar,” “Stravinsky,” “Mussorgsky,” and “Tchaikovsky.” Although Dior would sadly pass away just two years later, it was his protégé Yves Saint Laurent who first unveiled the collection in Moscow in 1959, meticulously preparing models to display these elegant outfits across the capital.

The fashion shows held at the “Trud” hall within the “Krylya Sovetov” House of Culture were marked by exclusivity and allure. Remarkably, attendees recall the fragrant atmosphere, permeated with the scent of French perfume, with reports suggesting that dozens of litres of perfume were utilised. The catwalk events that took place on Red Square and within the grand GUM department store were particularly enchanting; the presence of French models was akin to witnessing beings from another world, leaving an indelible mark on the Soviet audience.

Christian Dior’s design philosophy, characterised by feminine and refined silhouettes, featured voluminous skirts that grazed mid-calf and tailored jackets that accentuated the waist. Inspired by the elegance of blooming flower buds, he revolutionised women’s fashion by reintroducing these timeless elements.

Dior’s legacy extends beyond his iconic fashion designs. He was a pioneer in the integration of theatricality into fashion shows, developing a unique decorative style that enhanced the narrative of his collections. His affinity for the delicate lily of the valley, which became synonymous with the Dior brand, further underscores his connection to nature and beauty.

The allure of Dior’s bags was notably embraced by public figures, including Princess Diana, who was frequently spotted carrying them, highlighting the designer’s appeal to modern royalty. Moreover, Dior had intriguing superstitions surrounding his collections, often consulting Tarot cards before shows and ensuring that a model carried a bouquet of white lilies to honour his beliefs. His contentious relationship with fellow fashion icon Coco Chanel due to differing views on women’s apparel, particularly regarding corsets, illustrates the dynamic interplay within the fashion industry during his time.

This year’s anniversary serves to remind fashion enthusiasts of Christian Dior’s enduring influence and the evolution of retro fashion trends that continue to captivate modern collections. His stories and creations remain a rich vein of inspiration for current designers, affirming that the past continually informs and shapes the present in the fast-paced world of fashion.

Source: Noah Wire Services