Empowering Artisans: Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Commitment to Supporting Craftsmanship Through Education
In a recent interview with FashionNetwork.com, Maria Grazia Chiuri, the creative director of Dior, shared insights into her creative process and highlighted her dedication to supporting artisans. The interview took place during the Cruise 2024 fashion show in Mexico City, where Chiuri collaborated with local artists and craftsmen. Unlike some brands that have faced criticism for appropriating Mexican textile art without permission, Dior’s collaboration was described as respectful, enriching, and rewarding by the artisans involved.
Craftsmanship is an integral part of Chiuri’s creative endeavors. With each cruise collection, she immerses herself in the ancestral and local knowledge of the chosen region. Chiuri explained that when Dior visits a country, they have the opportunity to work with local artists and engage in a dialogue with them. Some of these artists are even invited to reinterpret iconic Dior pieces. This connection to traditional craftsmanship is personal for Chiuri, as her family comes from southern Italy, where valuable techniques and intergenerational knowledge have been lost over time.
Chiuri also highlighted the gendered nature of craftsmanship, noting that it is traditionally passed down among women, with the exception of India where men play a role as well. She expressed concern that craftsmanship is often considered a domestic pursuit rather than a celebrated art form. To counter this, Chiuri aims to celebrate these techniques and engage younger generations in discovering them.
Since 2016, Dior has been actively supporting artisans through educational initiatives and schools, emphasizing the value of their skills. Chiuri shared a heartwarming story about a young Mexican artisan who left a lasting impression on her. This artisan was invited to spend two weeks in Dior’s Paris workshops to learn from a different approach to craftsmanship. The collaborative environment fostered by Chiuri and her team allowed for an exchange of knowledge where both parties learned from each other.
Hosting a fashion show in Mexico City was a long-awaited dream for Chiuri. She has always had a deep appreciation for Mexican artists and photographers and sees Mexico as an inspiring and magical place. The decision to hold the show in Mexico was driven by Chiuri’s creative vision and her admiration for Mexican culture, rather than solely by business interests.
During the cruise runway show, Chiuri presented a collection inspired by Frida Kahlo. The use of butterflies in the collection symbolized metamorphosis, change, and rebirth. Chiuri explained that butterflies have universal significance in all cultures and are widely celebrated in Mexico, particularly during the Day of the Dead. Frida Kahlo and artist Elina Chauvet were both referenced by Chiuri for their feminist activism and refusal to be deterred by adversity. Chiuri expressed her admiration for Chauvet’s installation featuring red shoes, which raised awareness about femicide, a prevalent issue in Italy.
Looking to the future, Chiuri plans to continue her work in Mexico. She recently had meetings with the Ministry of Culture and aims to establish a significant cultural center in Mexico City in November. Chiuri believes it is crucial to introduce craftsmanship into schools and hopes to establish a school within the cultural center.
Reflecting on her journey in the fashion industry, Chiuri recalled her mother’s initial resistance to her pursuit of a career in fashion. Fashion was often seen as a domestic occupation rather than a form of artistic expression. However, Chiuri persisted and has demonstrated that fashion can be a means of artistry and creativity.
Maria Grazia Chiuri’s dedication to supporting craftsmanship through education and collaboration with artisans is truly empowering. By highlighting the importance of traditional techniques and engaging younger generations, she is contributing to the preservation and celebration of cultural heritage in the fashion industry.
Useful Links:
• Dior’s Collaboration in Mexico City: A Respectful Approach
• CNN: Maria Grazia Chiuri and the Celebration of Mexican Craftsmanship
