In 1953, Dior became the first Western couture house to present a collection in Japan, establishing close ties with local textile artisans. This fascination continued through various eras of the Maison’s history, from Marc Bohan’s silhouettes in Tokyo and Osaka in 1964 to John Galliano’s 2007 haute couture collection, famously inspired by Puccini’s Madame Butterfly.

Today, inspired by these enduring influences, Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri merges the traditional form of the kimono with the refined artistry of Dior’s Parisian ateliers.

Courtesy of Dior

A highlight of the Fall 2025 collection is the renewed collaboration with Tatsumura Textile, a Kyoto-based silk workshop that first partnered with Christian Dior in 1954. Several designs feature original patterns selected by Dior himself more than 70 years ago, reintroduced as a tribute to this shared history.

Chiuri also worked with kimono-dyeing master Tabata Kihachi to reinterpret a cherry blossom motif. First seen in Dior’s 1953 Jardin japonais dress using the traditional Kyo-Yuzen technique. The Fukuda family, known for preserving and evolving Japanese textile arts, contributed vibrant hand-dyed fabrics that brought depth and texture to the collection’s layered silhouettes. To complete the looks, Tokyo-based milliner Sawa Vaughters created contemporary interpretations of the kasa hat, a traditional headpiece often worn during Japanese dance festivals.

Courtesy of Dior

The looks unfolded along a gravel path beneath glowing sakura trees, their soft pink petals forming a natural canopy above the models. Throughout the collection, jackets and coats belted in the style of the kimono were styled with wide pants and long skirts. Botanical motifs inspired by antique ink paintings were incorporated into the collection, most notably on sleeveless dresses. The color palette revolved in black, enriched with golden embroidery and delicate florals. These elements came together to reflect the Maison’s ongoing commitment to blending Eastern and Western influences.

For the grand finale, the full cast of models stood still before the five-story pagoda of Toji, illuminated by the Kyoto night sky. This powerful closing moment, along with Dior’s support of local art initiatives like the KYOTOGRAPHIE festival, reflected the House’s deep respect for Japanese culture and marked a new, meaningful chapter in its ongoing story.

Courtesy of Dior