Dior showcased a unique runway at Paris Fashion Week featuring Italian artist and archer Sofia Ginevra Giannì, also known as SAGG Napoli. Napoli impressed the audience by shooting arrows down the catwalk while wearing a Dior ensemble. The transparent corridor structure she created was adorned with snippets of texts from various Italian artists, adding to the artistic ambiance of the show. Napoli’s skillful archery performance captivated spectators, including actress Jennifer Garner and singers Rosalía and Jisoo.
The performance, which was compared to “The Hunger Games” and its main character Katniss Everdeen, added a sporty and dynamic element to creative director Maria Grazie Chiuri’s collection. The show highlighted the reimagined design of the 1952 Dior Amazone dress, with Napoli embodying a modern Amazon who sees fashion as an affirmation of her athletic shape. Chiuri drew inspiration from Wonder Woman and Diana of Versailles, aiming to showcase the harmonization of body and mind through Napoli’s archery demonstration.
Chiuri expressed her obsession with creating wearable pieces that combine technology with couture know-how, a departure from Dior’s traditional focus on garments for less active women. The collection reflects a shift towards inclusivity and gender equality, with a focus on the body, fashion, and sport. Chiuri’s designs included tracksuits, leotards, moto jackets, lace-up sneaker-boot hybrids, and checkered racing stripes, as well as the revival of the Dior Sport logo from the ’60s.
The juxtaposition of high-fashion with athletic elements received mixed reviews from attendees, with some celebrating the innovative designs while others criticized the departure from Dior’s traditional aesthetic. The incorporation of sport into fashion reflects the changing body language of women and the influence of athleticism on the fashion industry. Chiuri’s collection marks a shift towards gender equality, inclusivity, and acceptance of one’s own limits, inspired by the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024.
Overall, Dior’s runway shooting range at Paris Fashion Week featuring SAGG Napoli’s archery performance was a highlight of the event, combining artistry, athleticism, and high fashion to create a memorable and unique show. The collection, inspired by powerful female figures in history and modern culture, showcased Chiuri’s vision of merging couture with sportswear in a way that celebrates the strength and beauty of women. The performance left a lasting impression on the audience and exemplified Dior’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining traditional fashion norms.
