Cherry Blossoms, Opulent Edges, and Tailored Shapes: Dior Unveils Its Newest Collection in Japan

      Dior hosted its pre-fall 2025 runway show in a garden at the To-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan. Coinciding with the brief cherry blossom season, the evening event was aglow with sakura trees while the soothing sounds of "Coloratura" by Ichiko Aoba accompanied the runway. Notable attendees included actresses Anna Sawai and Lily James, marking the occasion of this destination show. For the pre-fall 2025 collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri honored the brand’s longstanding ties to Japan. In the early days of the fashion house, Monsieur Dior created collections influenced by Japanese gardens, utilized brocades from Tatsumura Textile, and in 1953, became the first couture house to showcase its collection in Japan. The brand's link to Japan persisted in the years that followed, including under John Galliano, who drew inspiration from Giacomo Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly—set in Nagasaki—for the Dior S/S 07 haute couture collection. For the new Dior collection, Chiuri incorporated prints and traditional shapes that have historically connected the brand to Japan. Here’s more on the Dior pre-fall 2025 collection.

      The To-ji Temple in Kyoto

      The evening show took place at the To-ji Temple, illuminated against the night sky amidst blooming cherry blossoms for the spring season. Models gathered in front of the temple for the finale after the runway show concluded.

      Local Artisans

      For its pre-fall 2025, Dior worked alongside Japanese artisans, including experts with whom both the fashion house and Christian Dior himself have collaborated since the 1950s. "As a tribute to the partnership developed since 1954 between Christian Dior and Tatsumura Textile—the historic jacquard silk weaving workshops established in Kyoto in 1894—this collection notably highlights silhouettes enhanced by their iconic fabrics," read the show notes. This not only continued the historic collaboration but also featured motifs chosen by Christian Dior for his own designs over 70 years ago. Chiuri drew inspiration from a cherry blossom print in Dior's S/S 53 collection and invited kimono dyeing master Tabata Kihachi to reinterpret the design using his techniques. Additionally, she honored traditional Japanese headdresses by collaborating with Tokyo-based milliner Sawa Vaughters to redesign the kasa hat.

      Chiuri showcased elements reminiscent of traditional kimonos, including styles crafted from artisanal Japanese prints. Sculpted silhouettes were another focal point of the collection, with draped, waist-cinching tops and A-line outerwear. The runway also displayed luxurious textiles and extravagant fringes in pieces such as sweeping skirts and column dresses that exuded both elegance and wearability.