The Museum at FIT’s Couture Council will be celebrating the work of Maria Grazia Chiuri, the creative director of Dior’s women’s haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories collections, with the prestigious 2022 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion. The award ceremony will take place on September 7, 2022, at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City, marking the kickoff of New York Fashion Week.
Chiuri made history when she became the first woman to assume the role of creative director at Dior in July 2016. Throughout her tenure, she has prioritized the themes of empowerment and unity, showcasing collections that draw inspiration from feminist ideals and encourage women to express their individuality through fashion.
Prior to her groundbreaking work at Dior, Chiuri spent 17 years at Valentino, initially as an accessories designer and later as a joint creative director. Born in Rome in 1964, she has already garnered recognition for her contributions to the fashion industry, including being awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honor) by France’s Secretary of State for Gender Equality, Marlène Schiappa.
Expressing her gratitude and excitement for the Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion, Chiuri emphasized the importance of research, experimentation, craftsmanship, and dedication in her work.
The Couture Council Award has previously been presented to esteemed fashion figures such as Wes Gordon, Christian Louboutin, Narciso Rodriguez, Thom Browne, Albert Kriemler of Akris, Manolo Blahnik, Carolina Herrera, and FIT alumnus Michael Kors. Dr. Joyce F. Brown, the president of FIT, commended Chiuri for her belief that fashion is an essential aspect of life, as well as her inclusive designs that cater to women of all ages, sizes, and body types. Dr. Valerie Steele, the director and chief curator of The Museum at FIT, praised Chiuri’s pioneering role as the first female creative director for Dior’s women’s haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories collections. Steele emphasized that fashion is not merely about appearance, but also about how it impacts women’s thoughts and emotions.
Maria Grazia Chiuri’s acknowledgment and celebration through the Couture Council Award solidifies her status as a visionary designer who has made a significant impact on the fashion industry. Her commitment to empowering women through fashion serves as an inspiration to aspiring designers and students at FIT. The Museum at FIT is proud to recognize Chiuri’s contributions and honor her with the 2022 Couture Council Award, highlighting her pivotal role in shaping the future of fashion.
Useful Links:
– Dior Women’s Fashion
– The Museum at FIT
