When it comes to talking about culture or transmitting emotions that allow connecting with the ancestral traditions of a country, Maria Grazia Chiuri has the diploma of an outstanding student. She did it last year in Seville for the Cruise 2022 collection and she has done it again in Mumbai, India, with an extrasensory journey that has united the savoir faire of the country with the French luxury house.
Maria Grazia Chiuri's union with India goes far beyond the result of the Dior Fall 2023 collection. For twenty years, the creative has maintained a very special bond with Karishma Swali, founder of the Chanakya International workshops and her art school. crafts, a place of exchange, study and emancipation for many women.
This new Fall de Dior collection is a unique opportunity for Grazia Chiuri to explore centuries-old techniques that have inspired the fashion industry throughout history and, above all, shed light on all those people who perpetuate them to this day. today. A reciprocal exchange of knowledge and experiences between both parties that today serves to explore and promote the importance of the craft of embroidery.
The Toran, also known as Bandawal, is a frieze-decorated pendant that is traditionally placed above doors. It has its origin in Hinduism and kept the shape of two vertical posts connected by a horizontal crossbar. Historically, these were carved or sculpted from wood or stone. The oldest archaeological evidence of these structures dates back to the 2nd century BC, at the time of the Mauryan Empire.
Today, the Torans are made of cloth and are placed above the main entrance of the house, so that it is the first thing that guests see when they enter. In addition to responding to the functionality of a decorative element, it honors and attracts Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
The decorative elements of the Toran may vary depending on the region. They usually present mango, peedal and marigold leaves, as well as flowers during festival times and weddings. The main colors are red, yellow and green. They can be made of fabric –satin, wool or cotton ribbon- or metal –mirrors or shiny crystals- and have a variety of techniques, designs and types of embroidery and patchwork.
A large and imposing Toran presided over the scenery that gave the models entrance and exit in Mumbai. A lucky charm that will accompany Dior's Fall 2023 collection forever.
