It Took 250 Hours to Make a Single Suit From Dior's Doll-Sized Fall Couture Collection
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We always knew the coronavirus pandemic would lead to changes for the fashion world and, ultimately, the runway. But, when Dior unveiled its Fall 2020 haute couture collection on Monday, at first via short film directed by Matteo Garrone, the fashion house included another unexpected twist. The designs had been miniaturized, presented on doll-sized mannequins and arranged in a trunk meant to look like Dior’s Avenue Montaigne headquarters.
According to a press release from the brand, Maria Grazia Chiuri had been inspired by surrealism this time around, and she focused on the work of artists like Lee Miller, Dora Maar, and Jacqueline Lamba.
“Surrealist images manage to make visible what is in itself invisible," the creative director said in a statement. "I’m interested in mystery and magic, which are also a way of exorcising uncertainty about the future.”
The doll-sized creations came into play as a reference to the Théâtre de la Mode, "a roving exhibition of styles by French couturiers that traveled between Europe and America right after the war." Still, while tinier than the typical Dior looks we're used to seeing, each item was extraordinarily detailed — and took hours worth of work to create.
Ahead, take a look at the mystical video around Dior's fall 2020 couture collection. Then, check out the behind-the-scene photos that show all the work that went into making three of the doll-sized looks.
Look 5: Valentine
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This look is described as an Alabaster crêpe draped suit, and includes a flared skirt.
It was still as intricate and detailed as ever.
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It took petites mains — the artisans who work to make and tailor the clothing — a total of 250 hours to make this suit.
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The finished product is nothing short of stunning.
Look 33: Remedios
This hand-pleated dress is one we'd love to see (full-sized) on a future red carpet.
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A closer look shows a ruffled tulle bodice. The sleeves are embroidered tulle.
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One embroiderer and one petite main worked on this dress for a total of 150 hours, which also required 20 meters (over 65 feet) of fabric.
Look 37: Dorothea
So much drama!
While this voluminous corolla coat appears black at first glance, it's actually midnight blue.
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The design — which required 35 meters (over 114 feet!) of fabric — was also hand-pleated and includes fringe.
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The coat took 150 hours to make, and three petites mains worked on it.
