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Arab News
26-06-2025
- Arab News
2025 travel ideas: This year's great escapes
Arab News writers share insights on some of their favorite destinations. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ PARIS Paris in the springtime? Non, merci. Summer is by far the best time to visit. With many Parisians away on holiday and fewer fellow tourists to compete with, the Metro, boulevards, boat trips, bistros, pavement cafés and museums will all be quieter. If you're looking for culture, invest in the official Paris Museum Pass, which gives you access to more than 50 museums and monuments (but not the Eiffel tower, which has its own booking system). Also note that for some sites, including the Louvre, it's necessary to book a timeslot. One must-see? The Musée Rodin, a hidden gem full of the artist's breathtaking sculptures and boasting a charming restaurant in its elegant garden. Although it's close to the Eiffel Tower, it's usually quiet. One must-do? Swim in the Seine at one of five supervised sites between July 5 and Aug. 31, or in the open-air riverside Joséphine Baker pool. Warning: Do not watch the movie 'Under Paris' beforehand. Jonathan Gornall MALLORCA Despite recent tensions over tourism, Mallorca remains one of the most welcoming places I know. The largest of the Balearic Islands is far more than the sum of its picture-perfect parts; it's a place with soul and a unique cultural presence. Many come here seeking a slower rhythm, a certain stillness. Some say the 'Isla de la Calma' is vanishing, but I've always found it: in the hush of Tramuntana villages, in the markets where locals linger over late-morning tapas, and in the soft blue of the sea. But Mallorca asks those seeking tranquility for something in return: attention, care, curiosity, restraint. It may slightly unkempt these days, but the island still holds a character all its own to be discovered. And in a world where nothing stays hidden for long, the question is not how to keep such places untouched, but what kind of presence we choose to have within them. Gabriele Malvisi ISTANBUL Istanbul's invigorating assault on the senses is on a par with Tokyo's, but its chaos is far less controlled — from the higgledy-piggledy groupings of hillside houses and the bustle of the Grand Bazaar to the snatches of enticing smells and sounds that emerge from every alleyway. Famously, the city straddles Asia and Europe, and that wonderful mix of influences infuses the place — as do its millennia of history as a global center of culture. The generosity and hospitality of its people is evident through the love shown to the city's army of street cats, who lounge carelessly everywhere, receiving the respect cats believe is their due. You could spend weeks exploring Istanbul's museums and architecture. You could spend an equal amount of time exploring its street food, bars and restaurants. You could also shop till you're broke, or relax in its serene parks. And whatever your creed, it's impossible not to be moved by the awesome grandeur of the Blue Mosque. Adam Grundey LOCH LOMOND Driving through the imposing forest on our way to the chocolate box village of Luss on the shores of Scotland's Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, each bend in the road offered a glimpse of breathtaking beauty: lochs, towering oak and pine trees, and craggy mountaintops misted in fog. The absolute highlight of our trip to the area last summer, though, was the Three Lochs Forest Drive near Aberfoyle. The awe-inspiring Trossachs scenery is accessible even if you can't hike, with plenty of places to park up and take in wonderous views amid the peace and quiet of the area known as the gateway from the Scottish lowlands to the highlands. The storied Stirling Castle, home to many a Scottish monarch, sits on an imposing volcanic crag less than an hour's drive from Loch Lomond, while the area's rich history begins with Neolithic settlements and encompasses such famous figures as Robert the Bruce. Saffiya Ansari GEORGIA I arrived in Georgia in the heart of winter — no crowds, bare trees, and snow-capped mountains resting peacefully. This wasn't the Georgia of summer postcards, but a country at rest, quietly revealing its soul. Tbilisi, with its redbrick houses and winding alleys whispering centuries-old stories, felt intimate. I stood beneath the towering Chronicle of Georgia, its carved figures frozen in silent narrative, and later met the Mother of Georgia, sword and bowl in hand — a symbol of protection and hospitality. In Mtskheta, the morning unfolded in the Check-In Garden café over rich hot chocolate and molten-cheese Khachapuri — comfort food that felt like a warm hug. The smallest details charmed me: streetside pomegranate juice, colorful Churchkhela sweets dangling in windows, and locals ready with stories or recommendations. A road trip through Borjomi and Gudauri showcased winter's magic: paragliding over frozen peaks, skiing down hushed slopes, racing snow buggies through pine forests. Georgia doesn't demand your attention — it wins it, slowly, like a story shared by a crackling fire. Nada Hameed THE MALDIVES The Maldives is the perfect setting to unwind, reconnect with nature and experience total peace. Surrounded by lush greenery and turquoise waters, it's a place where time slows down. You can explore vibrant marine life in any of its many resorts, even right outside your villa. We took a boat trip to swim with manta rays — an unforgettable experience. The calm, clear waters make it easy to immerse yourself in the beauty beneath the surface, and it truly feels like entering another world. At night, the lack of light pollution makes it perfect for stargazing in complete serenity. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a shooting star. But a visit to this nation of islands isn't about checking off a list of activities — it's about stillness, simplicity, and being fully present. The Maldives offers a rare escape; the outside world fades away, and nature becomes the only thing that matters. Hams Saleh MEXICO CITY While Mexico is famed for its all-inclusive beach resorts, Mexico City — aka CDMX — offers something more real: a true melting pot of history, culture, art and food. Standing in the Zócalo, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral (built over the ruins of an Aztec temple) and the National Palace (which features stunning murals by Diego Rivera) is like being transported back in time, while the upscale neighborhoods of Polanco and the hipster areas like Condesa and Roma Norte offer a stark contrast. The lush tree-lined streets of these areas are full of hidden gems, from high-end boutiques and Instagrammable eateries to unassuming cafes and quaint markets. And the real beauty of CDMX lies in its pleasant surprises, like eating probably the best sandwich I've ever had from a street vendor, or stumbling upon a pop-up market with dozens of local artisan stallholders. Much like the city itself, a holiday here is full of unpredicted joys. Zaira Lakhpatwala OMAN Over many years in the Gulf, Oman has become my go-to place when people visit, for several reasons: The Sultan's palace, a brilliantly colorful work of art; the crystal-clear waters of its beaches; the bustling souks; and the Royal Opera House — simple, but ornate inside and out. I remember fondly sitting with my mother at a café on the beach in Muscat's embassy district, the sea lapping over the white sands. Nothing spectacular happened, but it was a perfect moment. Away from the city and a short drive from Nizwa is Oman's highest point of Jebel Shams. The hike along the valley's edge takes four to five hours — well worth it for the spectacular views of the twisted mountains and the lush, green wadi below. Then there's Jebel Akhdar, from which you can take in stunningly beautiful landscapes lined with small plantations and tiny villages. Whether you're in the city or wandering through its mountainous landscape, Oman is a calm and welcoming place. Peter Harrison BALI Its lush rice terraces, ancient temples, volcanic mountains, and postcard-perfect beaches — and its nightlife — have made Bali famous. But what truly sets it apart as a life-changing experience is its people. I spent a month volunteering as an English-language teacher for young children in a quiet village in the heart of Ubud. Mornings began with Canang Sari — locals place offerings of rice and incense on their doorsteps as small acts of gratitude to the gods. I joined school celebrations of the full and half moon, and even attended a funeral that felt more like a festival. The villagers, living simply yet radiating warmth, permanently reshaped my understanding of happiness. It doesn't come from achievements or luxury, but from gratitude, service, and a genuine connection with yourself, your surroundings, and people who share your values. Yes, the beaches are stunning, and the parties are vibrant, but the real magic is seeing Bali through the eyes of those who call it home. Sherouk Zakaria AMSTERDAM One of my all-time favorite summer destinations, there's something about the mix of art, history, and chill vibes that just feels right about Amsterdam. Whether you're spending hours wandering through the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, or just stumbling on cool street art in random corners, or strolling along the city's many beautiful canals while chomping down warm stroopwafels, the Dutch capital is the perfect place to visit if you're in need of inspiration. Just a short drive outside of the city, you'll find those classic windmills and peaceful fields that look like they belong in a storybook. And for a fun but laid-back night, you can't go wrong with Pllek in Amsterdam Noord, with its eclectic menu, upcycled decor, waterfront views, and a vibe that blends beach bar with urban cool. Shyama Krishna Kumar
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Despair to delight: lost Rodin 'copy' sells for $1m
A small marble sculpture thought to be a copy of the French artist Auguste Rodin's work has turned out to be the real thing, selling for almost $1m at an auction in France on Monday. The sculpture, called "Despair", a figure of a woman hugging her knees and holding one foot, is a work by the famed sculptor from 1892 that had disappeared after being sold at an auction in 1906. For the owners, "Despair" turned to delight when the piece they believed to be a Rodin copy was confirmed as authentic by the Comite Rodin after a six-week probe. French auctioneer Aymeric Rouillac described it as an "extremely rare" find and the work was put up for auction and eventually sold for €860,000 (£725,000; $982,000). "Despair" was originally modelled by Rodin as part of his series of figures for The Gates of Hell. According to the Musée Rodin, the figure is a depiction of sorrow and the French sculptor created other versions after it was positively received. After the family who owned the 28.5cm (11 inches) marble figure – which had sat on their piano for years – approached Mr Rouillac, he and his team spent months investigating the origins of the piece. In March, Mr Rouillac brought the piece to the Comité Rodin, a research group dedicated to studying the works of Rodin, who confirmed its authenticity six weeks later. The committee found that "Despair" had disappeared after being sold at an auction in 1906. "We have rediscovered it," Mr Rouillac told the AFP news agency. Museum unable to locate £3m Rodin sculpture Rodin marble sells for record $20m
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrities Front Row at Christian Dior's Spring 2025 Couture Show
Christian Dior's spring 2025 haute couture show took place in Paris on Jan. 27, gathering a slew of stars including Jenna Ortega, Pamela Anderson, Nicola Coughlan, Alexandra Daddario and more notable guests. From platform sandals to slingback pumps to buckled boots, the guests brought a number of striking footwear looks to the high fashion event. See below for some of the ensembles sported at Musée Rodin. More from Footwear News Venus Williams Styles Black Jumpsuit with Bow-Embellished Platforms at Christian Dior Couture Show During Paris Fashion Week Jenna Ortega Brings Fierce Energy to Paris Fashion Week With Satin Sandals from Dior Cruise 2025 Line Maison Mihara Yasuhiro Transforms Quilted Purses Into High Heeled Shoes for Fall 2025 Fashion Show in Paris Best of Footwear News What Happened to Nike's MaxSight Contact Lenses? Reese Witherspoon's Best Shoe Moments Over the Years [Photos] Lucy Liu's Best Shoe Moments Over the Years [PHOTOS] Jenna Ortega at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. Alisa Volskaya at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. Pamela Anderson at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. Angelina Woreth at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. Nicola Coughlan at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. Ava Phillippe at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. Alexandra Daddario at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. Alex Riviere at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. Heloise Agostinelli at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. Alessandra de Osma at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. Lena Perminova at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. Cleopatra zu Oettingen Spielberg at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Couture Fashion Week held at Musée Rodin on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Alessandra De Osma attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Alex Rivière attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Alexandra Daddario attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Amalie Gassmann attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Angelina Woreth attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Anya Taylor-Joy attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Araya Hargate attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Ava Phillippe attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Beatrice Borromeo attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Blanca Miro attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Camille Cottin attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Carla Bruni attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Cleopatra Zu Oettingen Spielberg attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Deva Cassel attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Elizabeth Debicki attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Ella Pellegrini attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Heart Evangelista attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Jeanne Damas attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Jenna Ortega attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Kim Jisoo attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Juliette Armanet attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Karlie Kloss attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Kelly Rutherford attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Laetitia Casta attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Lena Mahfouf attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Mallory Wanecque attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Maria De La Orden attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Marisa Berenson attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Miki Nakatani attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Mimi Keene attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Nadia Tereszkiewcz attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Naomi Scott attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Nicola Coughlan attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Nine D'Urso attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Pamela Anderson attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Raffey Cassidy attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Sofia Achaval de Montaigu attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Sonam Kapoor attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Venus Williams attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior) PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 27: Zita d'Hauteville attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascalfor Christian Dior)
The Independent
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Dior haute couture show in Paris is a masterful dance through time
Designer Maria Grazia Chiuri delved into the storied archives of Christian Dior for her latest haute couture collection Monday, exploring the transformations of time. The accomplished spring 2025 show — one of Chiuri's best in seasons — drew from the key silhouettes of Dior's iconic past designers, such as Yves Saint Laurent, and infusing them with her distinct contemporary vision. The memory of fashion The show was a commentary on how fashion serves as a lens for understanding time. Key inspirations included the Trapèze line, originally conceived by Saint Laurent in 1958, and Christian Dior's Cigale silhouette from 1952, both updated with modern fabrics. The looks: where past meets present Chiuri's vision unfolded with flowing capes adorned with organza-crafted feathers, shimmering black coats embroidered with three-dimensional silver, and lace-trimmed tulle skirts that evoked a sense of playful nostalgia. Crinolines were reimagined as ethereal cages with embroidered branches, and moiré-tailcoat miniskirt ensembles added bold, modern contrasts to classic silhouettes. A standout piece included a burnished silver gown shimmering with intricate embroidery, creating a sense of movement and transformation. Another highlight featured a cape of delicate petals that turned the model into a surreal flower-woman, blending whimsy with couture precision. The show garnered a rare standing ovation from powerful U.S. Vogue chief Anna Wintour. Stars among the petals The show unfolded in the picturesque gardens of the Musée Rodin in Paris, attended by guests including actress Jenna Ortega, the star of Netflix's Wednesday, and Anya Taylor-Joy, known for her role in The Queen's Gambit. Sports icon Venus Williams brought her commanding presence to the event, while Pamela Anderson and French actress and model Laetitia Casta were also present. Dior ambassador Kim Jisoo further underscored the house's international appeal. Setting and artistry in harmony The venue itself was part of the spectacle. The walls were adorned with a large-scale textile installation titled 'The Flowers We Grew,' created by Indian artist Rithika Merchant and translated into fabric by the Chanakya School of Craft. The artwork drew on stories of womanhood across generations, blending botanical motifs and universal symbols. Dior's commitment to supporting women artists shone through, with this interdisciplinary collaboration highlighting the craftsmanship of Merchant and the Chanakya ateliers. Following the show, the public will have the chance to view the installation in the Rodin museum gardens from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2.
The Guardian
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Dior reinvents Lewis Carroll's Alice for the Brat era at Paris fashion week
The new year has its first new muse: 'Punk Alice'. At Dior's haute couture show in Paris, Lewis Carroll's feisty heroine got a 21st century makeover. Imagine Alice, she of Wonderland fame, but in her Charlie XCX-inspired Brat era and with a wardrobe handmade by the finest seamstresses in Paris. There you start to get the picture. A snowy white cross-backed lace pinafore dress was worn with a quivering black silk mohican headdress. Alice's striped stockings were reimagined as lace-up leather gladiator boots. Her frothy skirt became a birdcage crinoline, her girlish ribbons were knotted dog collar-tight at the throat. In the front row, Pamela Anderson smiled beneath a dotted black veil, and Venus Williams was resplendent in tightly coiled braids. A fantastical landscape featuring lions in feather headdresses and plants that sprouted eyes as well as blooms was embroidered all over the walls a stage set in the garden of the Musée Rodin. Escapism is a diplomatic answer to the tight spot in which many fashion designers now find themselves. Dior, where the designer Maria Grazia Chiuri has spelt out her worldview with feminist slogan T-shirts and advocated for diversity via a long-term collaboration with a Mumbai school for female craftworkers, has been at the forefront of a decade in which progressive principles became the mainstream in fashion. With Trump's second term shifting the tectonic plates of culture, fashion is feeling the pressure to fall into line. Asked backstage before the show whether politics had influenced this collection, Chiuri said it had not, but added that 'fashion is a playground for the imagination. And in your imagination, you can create for yourself the world that you want to live in'. Dior is in the headlights of the vibe shift. It is emerging as the most high status wardrobe in the court of Trump, with skirt suits in the distinctively hourglass silhouette of Dior's famous New Look worn by Melania Trump on election night, and by Ivanka Trump at the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by Dior's CEO, Delphine Arnault, and her billionaire father Bernard. Here, Chiuri swapped the signature New Look for a lesser-known chapter of Dior history, when her job was held by a young Yves Saint Laurent, who presented a new trapeze silhouette consisting of babydoll dresses with a graphic A-line shape that all but ignored the waist. She fused this reference to late 1950s Dior with details borrowed from the gothically charged Alice in Wonderland depicted in Dorothea Tanning's surrealist paintings. Her gravity-defying hair and the jellyfish-tangle of her skirts showed up on the runway. Chiuri said backstage that she liked 'the idea of nonsense'. Sign up to Fashion Statement Style, with substance: what's really trending this week, a roundup of the best fashion journalism and your wardrobe dilemmas solved after newsletter promotion Dior has boomed under Chiuri, its designer since 2016. HSBC recently estimated that revenues more than tripled from €2.7bn (£2.3bn) in 2018 to €9bn in 2023. Because it enjoys a substantial slice of the US luxury market, Dior has benefitted from the recent strength of the dollar. With a new designer creating excitement around its great rival Chanel, however, there have been persistent rumours of a change at Dior. With this collection - spirited, elegant and defiantly disorientating - the usually straight-talking Chiuri gave no clear answers.
