From queens to unicorns: Dior’s Scottish inspiration for Cruise 2025
Tonight, the world-famous French fashion house Dior will reveal its highly anticipated Cruise 2025 collection at the beautiful Drummond Castle Gardens in Crieff, Scotland. This event is set to be a unique mix of fashion, history, and art, in one of Scotland’s most enchanting locations.
But why has Dior chosen Drummond Castle Gardens to present this show? Here’s what you need to know about the inspirations behind the French fashion house’s latest collection.
Dior’s latest collection takes inspiration from the Early Modern Period of Scotland and France. Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s Artistic Director, studied the detailed embroidery created by Mary, Queen of Scots, during her time in captivity between 1569 and 1585.
For Mary, embroidery was a form of therapy and a way to communicate when her letters were monitored. The designs often came from books and nature studies by authors like Claud Paradin, Conrad Gessner, and Pierre Belon. They expressed Mary’s private thoughts and emotions.
The “Marian” hanging is a famous collection of her work. It includes panels embroidered with colourful silks and silver threads on green velvet. The central panel features the phrase “VIRESCIT VULNERE VIRTUS” (Virtue flourishes by wounding) along with the royal arms of Scotland and Mary’s monogram. Mary even sent a version of this panel to the Earl of Norfolk, who wanted to marry her and replace Queen Elizabeth.
The hangings symbolise strength and creativity during tough times, resonating with the spirit of Dior’s new collection.
Maria Grazia Chiuri also found inspiration in the famous tapestries known as “The Lady and the Unicorn.” These six tapestries, woven around 1500, represent the five senses—touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight—against a detailed red background. The sixth tapestry, inscribed with “À mon seul désir” (To my only desire), has inspired many theories. It might reference courtly love or free will, depicting a woman renouncing temporal pleasures.
Observing these, Maria noted that ‘The female figure, which is always at the centre of this nature, truly represents, in some ways a great Mother Earth.’
The unicorn, Scotland’s national animal, appears in each scene, reflecting its importance in 1500s artwork. The tapestries, filled with flora like flowers, orange trees, pines, hollies, and oaks, and a peaceful bestiary including a monkey, dogs, rabbits, and a heron, create an idyllic natural setting.
This abundance of nature mirrors the beauty and richness of Drummond Castle Gardens, known for its lush landscapes and meticulously designed terraces. Just as the tapestries evoke a sense of serene natural beauty, the gardens provide a perfect, picturesque backdrop for Dior’s Cruise 2025 show.
The gardens date back to the 17th century and are considered among the finest in Europe. In fact, during a visit in 1842, Queen Victoria was so impressed that she planted a cedar tree, which still stands today.
She likened Drummond Castle Gardens to ‘an old French garden,’ noting its symmetry and grandeur. Their formal parterre, characterised by a geometric layout, was a prominent feature of Renaissance design, originating in Italy and later influencing landscapes in France before spreading across Europe.
This historic setting not only adds to the grandeur of the event but also highlights the connection between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Francis II of France. Francis II, who was King of France and also King of Scotland by marriage to Mary, represents an important link between the two countries.
Artistic Director Maria Grazia Chiuri has beautifully combined history with modern fashion in this collection. Guests tonight will see a celebration of Scottish and French heritage through Dior’s innovative designs, honouring the stories of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the rich history of Renaissance embroidery.
Fashion lovers and industry insiders are eagerly waiting for this historic event. The Dior Cruise 2025 presentation promises to be a one-of-a-kind show, where the past meets the future, and Dior’s legacy continues to shine.
The Dior Cruise 2025 collection will be revealed tonight, June 3rd, 2024, at 8pm live from Drummond Castle Gardens, Crieff, Scotland. Be a part of the FROW by watching live from home right here on Quine Magazine.
