Dior returning to Blenheim Palace, Gucci at Westminster Abbey – there's something in the air that's luring designers towards grand establishments. Perhaps it's the resurgence of 'embellishment' and decoration in Gucci's recent collections, or the eccentric twists on traditional patterns and styles in Dior's SS17 creations.
Of course Christian Dior and Blenheim Palace have a history that, as Sarah Harris of UK Vogue has said, "dates back to 1954 when the Duchess of Marlborough asked Monsieur Dior (a long-time fan of England, his suits were made on Savile Row) to present his autumn/winter couture collection there in aid of the British Red Cross."
"... even after Monsieur Dior's death in 1957, his successor, Yves Saint Laurent, presented the Dior collection here again in 1958. Almost 60 years later, snaking their way through the grand saloon, through to the library and various drawing and state rooms, the models took the exact same route as those shows in 1954 and 1958."
Of Gucci's SS17 display at the 13th century Westminster Abbey, the head designer Alessandro Michele said, "the idea of the show is an homage to the city, because I love English people." It may not be completely relevant, but we love these illustrations - commissioned by Gucci as part of their
online art initiative.
