Exclusive: Inside the Greek Artistry of Dior's Cruise 2022 Collection

For its Cruise 2022 collection, Dior collaborated with several Greek artists to bring a new dimension to their clothes: These artists included Aris Tzernovakis, a tailor and embroiderer, and artist Christiana Soulou. We explore the collection through a series of images and videos, exclusive to L'Officiel Singapore

Inspired by the physical expansions of the female body, Christiana Soulou created a series of pastel-coloured drawings translated into a printed dress for the Cruise 2022 collection in Athens. When asked about her initial brief given by Marie Chiuri, she explained that Chiuri had asked for two words – transformation and adaptation, with the body at the heart centre.

Commenting that fashion is not limited to luxury but also on the streets, Soulou opens up a conversation between the fashion of ancient Greece, the artist and the artwork conveyed through her drawings. Even though her drawings will never be seen in their entirety, Soulou believes that one can only approach the truth through the things that are not fully said or shown. Not knowing how her drawings will play out and leaving the rest up to chance and mystery, Soulou finds peace in the fact that the shapes have been conceived and realized independently, thus preserving its integrity. 

Dior’s work with tailor Aris Tzernovakis is a prime example of a collaboration between local artisans and Dior’s heritage coming together to create a stunning yet meaningful collection. Used to making more traditional pieces, this collaboration with Dior challenged Tzernovakis embroideries to create something different from the usual pieces.

In the video, Maria Chiuri emphasizes that Aris is to work on their point of view, signalling a strong relationship built on trust when working with local artisans. At the same time going back to Dior's archives for reference to the old Bar Jacket. Traditional Greek embroideries can be seen executed with expert craftsmanship on the reconstructed bar jacket as well as Dior’s signature tote bag. Buttonholes along the seams were inspired by waistcoats from the Greek Islands while the pockets and embroidery on the sleeve are commonly found in fustanellas that come from the Greek mainland.