CELEBRATING the powerful ties between Dior and Scotland, Maria Grazia Chiuri took to the grounds of the beautiful Drummond Castle for Dior’s cruise 2025 collection.
Christian Dior’s affinity for Scotland can be traced back to the autumn-winter 1947 défilé, for which Dior named an haute couture ensemble Écosse. Then, in 1951, the legendary designer presented his spring-summer ensemble in Perthshire and later returned to The Gleneagles Hotel in 1955.
Now, Chiuri ushers in a new chapter for Dior’s Scottish escapades. Uniting the house with the surrounding culture, Drummond Castle acts as the most idyllic landscape for the presentation. Quintessentially Scottish in character, the castle intertwines local culture with French and Italian Renaissance influences.
The collection itself also celebrates surrounding communities and heritage and acts as an ode to the great textile history of Scotland. Inspired by local craft traditions, Maria Grazia Chiuri has collaborated with a series of Scottish brands to imbue further care and charm into the ensemble.
Harris Tweed – located in West Scotland on the islands of the Outer Hebrides – is one of this season’s collaborators and has supplied soft, woollen fabrics for the looks. Meanwhile, Johnstons of Elgin, Esk Cashmere and Robert Mackie have also joined forces with Dior to provide exquisite yarns and knit elements.
Through emblematic tartan and elegant kilts, Chiuri expertly weaves her distinct design approach into each piece, combining luxurious prints with sharp lines and volumes. Each look offers subtle juxtapositions between form and texture, like the contrast between the collection’s buttery velvet and delicate lace details.
Another key point of inspiration for Chiuri was Mary, Queen of Scots. Since collaborating with author, historian and artist Clare Hunter in 2020, the designer has continued to forge a strong friendship with the writer.
Now, Hunter’s Embroidering her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power (2023) has provided further points of reference for Chiuri. Patterns, colours, compositions and symbols come to life in the latest collection, perpetuating Mary Stuart’s lasting legacy.
Maria Grazia Chiuri also commissioned the artist Pollyanna Johnson to create a modern portrait of the affluent figure.
Wool dresses have been styled with jackets, coats borrow bold cuts from men’s tailoring and metallic hardware introduces additional contemporary innovation. For this cruise show, Chiuri also worked alongside British designer Samantha McCoach to create glamorous kilts.
Established in 2014, Le Kilt is McCoach’s kilt-orientated apparel brand. Introducing traditional craftsmanship to a modern audience, Le Kilt encourages waste reduction and quality over quantity purchases. Designed using only natural materials, each piece exudes versatile opulence.
Similarly, the creative director has teamed up with Justine Picardie for an exclusive conversation surrounding the importance of Scotland to Dior. Lauded for her book Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture, Picardie is well-versed in Dior’s iconic codes. Having worked on various exhibitions and anthologies, Picardie’s expertise in the area is undeniable.
Pairing unparalleled craftsmanship with statement prints and pieces, it’s evident that the Cruise 2025 collection is a beautiful hommage to an equally beautiful country.
