Haute couture is, by definition, handmade from start to finish. The labor-intensive process is hidden in details. To the untrained eye, there’s only one runway, adorned with intricate embroidery, fancy embellishments, expertise in textile manipulation, and a runway that is adorned with elaborate embroidery. We often forget to consider the amount of time it takes. These made-to measure designer items are considered art and should be kept in museums. For Dior’s spring-summer 2022 haute couture collection, sometimes it amounts to 700-plus hours. That’s for one look, specifically. Please pause to allow silence.
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Dior’s closing look—a bodysuit with an overlaid fishnet dress—is a master class in craftsmanship and artistry. Not only did it take over 700 hours of work (that’s more than 29 days straight, by the way), but no less than three artisans were dedicated to its completion. The intricate dress is made with “in aria” embroidery in silver metal and rhinestone mesh, decorated in vintage lamé roses.
Courtesy Dior / Sophie Carrre
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The skillful atelier itself is what creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri wanted to highlight, stating in the brand’s press notes that it is “a living organ where savoir-faire and savoir-être meet and evolve, in the course of a collaboration that constantly reaffirms the magical and scientific language that is haute couture.”
The previous collection was almost identical. A palette of rich neutrals and pristine tailoring contrasted by embellished tights was one of the show’s biggest takeaways, complimented with grandiose metallic eveningwear that Chiuri is known for. Her signature quiet elegance, with a feminist twist, has been her formula since her 2016 appointment.
The closing number wasn’t even the most arduous one on the runway. Look 59 is the proud owner of this title. This beaded dress was made with eight people and 850 hours of labor, just for the record.
Source: elle