Ten months after Raf Simons stepped down as creative director at Christian Dior, the haute fashion house confirmed today — after weeks of rampant fashion-insider speculation — that Valentino’s own Maria Grazia Chiuri will be stepping into Simons’ beloved shoes.
Her appointment signals a turning point for Dior: Chiuri is the first female creative director at the 69-year-old house.
Her departure from Valentino has also initiated one of the biggest fashion breakups in history. After working alongside her (now former) co-creative director Pierpaolo Picciolo at the Italian house for nine years, many — including this Valentino fangirl — are wondering: what will Chiuri’s solo act bring to Dior?
Season after season, Chiuri and Picciolo delivered magical collections, each infused with fairy-tale elements (showstopping embellished tulle gowns), princess-worthy moments (starry tiaras) and the now ubiquitous Rockstud shoe. And at the Valentino fall 2016 couture show this week, the pair debuted their final collection together, taking a cue from Shakespeare’s Elizabethan era — ruffled, high-neck blouses, richly embellished full skirts and embroidered robes, all anchored with the modern-day woman’s need for utility (every look was paired with a flat, knee-high black boot). Fantasy tailored to function was the essence of this duo. Who doesn’t want a piece of that?
Personally, I’m super-excited to see what Chiuri will bring to Dior. The pairing seems not only fitting, but appropriate that a brand so synonymous with its iconic (not to mention superfeminine) “New Look” — full skirts nipped at the waist (a look I live for) will be led from a woman’s point of view.
And who knows? Maybe Chiuri will debut her first runway show for the house this fall with that pitch-perfect blend of old and new, all with a swish of her magical fairy wand.
A girl can dream.