Following 18 months of postponed, cancelled and virtual fashion shows, designers are now pulling out all the stops as they present their latest collections. This includes Dior, which just hosted its spectacular cruise 2022 show at the home of the modern Olympics, the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.
Inspired by the setting and by ancient Greek mythology more generally, the collection was filled with beautiful draped goddess gowns (traditionally named 'peplos'), which were given a modern sporty spin, paired with chunky Nike trainers, which also channelled the athletic nature of the Olympics.
'An alliance of heritage and modernity that – within the iconic Panathenaic Stadium, the setting for the show – reveals a manifesto for a body that more than ever enjoys liberty of movement, performing without constraint,' Dior said of the collection.
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As one of the first major fashion shows to take place since the pandemic took hold, the event also saw the return of the front row. Names including Cara Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse and Anya Taylor Joy were all in attendance, heading to Athens to see the collection first hand.
Dior previously confirmed that Greek authorities had given permission for a show to take place at the iconic location, as well as several photo shoots, which will also form part of the presentation. The house has also collaborated with local creatives and artisans as part of the show and collection, something which Dior has made a habit of, including with its recent shows in Italy and Morocco.
The marble stadium is the home of the modern Olympics, with the opening and closing ceremonies taking place at the site in 1896. It was originally built as a racecourse in around 330 B.C.
This is not the first Dior show to take place at an iconic Greek landmark. The house presented its autumn/winter 1951 haute couture collection against the backdrop of the Acropolis.
Watch the Dior cruise 2022 show in full right here.
Amy de Klerk is Harper’s Bazaar’s fashion features editor. She covers everything from the latest style news to trend and shopping features, red-carpet fashion and designer profiles.
