For the #DiorCruise 2020 by #MariaGraziaChiuri, discover the richness of the universe of Wax print fabrics, a multicultural textile whose origins wind from Asia to Europe, ending in Africa at the end of the 19th century. First adopted by the women of Togo, they grew into a pan-African symbol. The women in the local markets around Africa give names to the designs based on an instinctive emotion that they provoke, explains Anne Grosfilley, so that the fabric becomes a non-verbal form of communication. The anthropologist and world-renowned specialist in Wax accompanied our Creative Director on her collaboration with the @Uniwaxciv factory in Ivory Coast, where the factory's illustrators were invited to reinterpret Dior codes in Wax prints, reinterpreted here on a silk chiné — a fusion of cultures and savoir-faires. #DiorSavoirFaire #DiorCommonGround?

Looking to incorporate a fusion of cultural influences and techniques in her #DiorCruise 2020 collection, #MariaGraziaChiuri, accompanied by anthropologist and Wax specialist Anne Grosfilley, embarked on a collaboration with @Uniwaxciv in Ivory Coast, giving carte blanche to their design studio to reinterpret two of the House’s signature motifs: 'toile de Jouy' and 'tarot card'’. The partnership gave rise to special edition fabrics done in 100% African Wax (from cottons grown, spun and printed in Africa). The highly complex process involves more than 20 steps, from the 'resisting' stage to the dyeing and printing with copper rollers on both sides of the fabric. #DiorCommonGround Film Director: @MelindaTriana

Did you spot the 'Mini Book Tote' at the #DiorCruise 2020 show by #MariaGraziaChiuri? Newly revisited in denim, the iconic bag embodies the collection’s multi-faceted cultural dialogue.? #DiorCommonGround? ? @BleuManet?

Wild animals roamed across the jewelry from the #DiorCruise 2020 collection by #MariaGraziaChiuri, possibly having escaped from her toile de Jouy print. (The power of nature is a recurrent theme across the House’s archives, notably in the designs of former Dior Creative Director Marc Bohan.) Also check out the crafty updates of the House's iconic accessories from the just-wrapped show in Marrakesh! ? #DiorCommonGround? ? @BleuManet?

The iconic 'Lady Dior' was revisited in a crafty embroidered raffia version for the #DiorCruise 2020 collection. The bag looked perfectly at home in the show's setting in the El Badi Palace in Marrakesh, with #MariaGraziaChiuri adding a special, heart-beat-inducing embroidered strap! ? #DiorCommonGround? ? @BleuManet?

In the #DiorCruise 2020 show by #MariaGraziaChiuri, graphic Wax motifs were used to new effect, as on a military green camouflage jacket that blends Africa's signature textile technique with the richness of traditional jacquard. The same notion crops up again on a new iteration of the 'Saddle' bag in 'Dior Oblique' canvas with a tonal strap. ? #DiorCommonGround? ? @Morgan_ODonovan?

In this flashback to the #DiorCruise 2020 show by #MariaGraziaChiuri in Marrakesh catch our runway regular @Ruthnotmay backstage moments before closing the show. She wears an earth-hued bustier gown in a silk mikado shantung with a rustic, artisanal aspect that pays homage to the 1950s and 1960s couture collections of Monsieur Dior and his successor Yves Saint Laurent. ? #DiorCommonGround? ? @Morgan_ODonovan?

"When you choose a blue, pay attention to look at it both in daylight and under electric light, because it can appear very different," Monsieur Dior advised. Throughout the House's history, the hue has enjoyed numerous expressions, from 'Dior Blue' to 'Mediterranean Blue' and the famed Marrakesh blue inspired by the work of artist Jacques Majorelle. Carrying the torch at the #DiorCruise 2020 Cruise collection presented on April 29th, #MariaGraziaChiuri explored a whole new landscape of blues, from denim to 'Dior Blue' and Wax blue, a tribute to the ancestral art of indigo dyeing for authentic Wax print fabrics.? #DiorCommonGround? ? @Morgan_ODonovan?

A picture of grace, models Chai Maximus, Anyelina Rose and Amm Arruda pose moments before the #DiorCruise 2020 Cruise show by #MariaGraziaChiuri. A dialogue of cultural references and savoir-faires, this collection captures a collective memory, a common ground that appears open to every kind of possibility. Here, a blue and white gown in authentic 100% Made in Africa Wax print motifs by @Uniwaxciv is flanked by romantic looks in white lace with hand embroidery.? #DiorCommonGround? ? @Morgan_ODonovan?

In her element: Italian-Moroccan model @Malika.ElMaslouhi is all smiles backstage shortly before the 2020 #DiorCruise show at the sumptuous El Badi Palace in Marrakesh. She wears a stunning bustier gown by #MariaGraziaChiuri in a couture fabric known as chiné, with Dior codes interpreted in the manner of Wax prints by @Uniwaxciv – an inspiring dialogue of African and European cultures and savoir-faire. #DiorCommonGround ? @Morgan_ODonovan

The multicultural origins of Wax print fabrics, as a textile whose story weaves between Asia, Europe and Africa, served as the rich leitmotif of the #DiorCruise 2020 Cruise show by #MariaGraziaChiuri, held at the El Badi Palace in Marrakesh. Accompanied by anthropologist Anne Grosfilley, a specialist in African textiles and fashions, our Creative Director collaborated with the Ivory Coast-based factory @Uniwaxciv whose illustrators were given free reign to reinterpret elements of the House's heritage. Mixing signature Dior motifs like 'toile de Jouy' and 'tarot' cards on genuine 100% Made in Africa Wax print fabrics, see the resulting special-edition prints on this trio of looks shot backstage. They're also paired with key accessories from the show, including a summery update on the iconic 'Lady Dior' bag in woven leather!? #DiorCommonGround? ? @Morgan_ODonovan?

Maintaining the magnificent ambiance, the #DiorCruise 2020 show in Marrakesh unveiling the collection by #MariaGraziaChiuri was followed by an after-party featuring a performance by the legend @DianaRoss who had the crowd spellbound. #DiorCommonGround