The city of Mumbai is set to host Dior’s pre-fall 2023 show, at the historical Gateway of India monument, on the 30th of March. Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri picked the commercial capital of India and this iconic landmark to highlight Dior’s ongoing collaboration with the Chanakya School of Craft, a Mumbai-based fine crafts’ atelier and non-profit school of craft for women, established by Karishma Swali and Monica Shah. 

“I have worked with the Chanakya Atelier for over 20 years, developing a close friendship and working relationship with its directors and founders Nehal and Karishma,” says Chiuri on Instagram. “It was through this relationship with Chanakya that I was able to learn so much about the artisanal embroidery techniques, which are still found in each and every Indian region, and the unique ability of the Chanakya Atelier to put them in dialogue with the fashion industry.” In line with the atelier’s ethos of female empowerment, the Dior show set to focus on feminist values and global artisanship. 

The show marks an epochal moment for India in the context of global fashion. The country’s growing market potential has made it an appealing destination for luxury brands across the globe. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a major international fashion house has hosted a show at the Gateway of India. In 1989, Yves Saint Laurent transformed the landmark into a runway for a show that went down in fashion history. 

“We are deeply honoured and delighted to share our artistic collaboration with our forever mentor and inspiration Maria Grazia Chiuri, and Dior. Thank you for always championing women and shining a bright light on India’s cultural heritage and artisanal legacies,” announces the Chanakya School of Craft in a post on Instagram. 

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