Dior's Runway Archery: A Captivating Fusion of Fashion and Athleticism

The Musée Rodin in Paris was the backdrop for Dior's spring 2025 ready-to-wear collection, where the show began with a dramatic display of archery. Makeup artist Peter Philips and hairstylist Guido Palau collaborated to create a look that embodied the "Amazonian" beauty envisioned by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the creative director of Dior. The result was a captivating fusion of fashion and athleticism that left a lasting impression on the audience.

Unleashing the Power of Archery on the Runway

Archery as a Runway Opener

The show began with a powerful statement as an arrow was shot straight down the runway, setting the tone for the collection. This unexpected and exhilarating moment was the work of archer and artist SAGG Napoli, who was tapped by Chiuri to deliver one of the most memorable moments of fashion month. The decision to open the show with this dramatic archery display was a bold move that immediately captured the audience's attention and set the stage for the collection to come.

Embracing the Amazonian Aesthetic

Chiuri's vision for the collection was centered around the concept of "Amazonian" beauty, which was reflected in the makeup and hairstyles created by Philips and Palau. The makeup look, described as a "runway iteration of boyfriend blush," was a subtle, flushed appearance that evoked the idea of a post-workout glow. Philips used shades from the new Rouge Blush Colour & Glow palette to achieve this effect, creating a natural and effortless look that complemented the athletic theme.

Sporty Elegance in the Hairstyles

Palau's hairstyles also embodied the sporty yet elegant aesthetic of the collection. He opted for a "very nonproduct feeling to the hair," creating a '90s-inspired look with loops of hair tied back with elastic and headbands emblazoned with the Dior logo. This "quite techy" take on the updo was designed to capture the kind of hairstyle that modern women would want to wear, blending fashion and functionality.

The Influence of the Olympic Games

The beauty look at the Dior show was described as a sequel to the gilded haute couture tribute at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris earlier that summer. The "après-sport" aesthetic, with its flushed and slightly sweaty appearance, was a nod to the athletic prowess and endurance of the athletes who had recently graced the global stage.

Capturing the Essence of Strength and Resilience

The show notes and the wall text inside the Musée Rodin further reinforced the theme of strength and resilience. The message "May the building of a strong mind and a strong body be the greatest work I have ever made" underscored the collection's focus on empowering women through a fusion of physical and mental fortitude. This sentiment was echoed in the show notes, which described SAGG Napoli's view of fashion as a "visual attribute, an affirmation of her athletic shape."

The Dior Backstage Experience

Backstage, the beauty team worked to bring Chiuri's vision to life. Philips applied the "glorified sweaty" skin look from the couture runway, using Dior Capture Totale Le Sérum to create a subtle, wet effect. Palau's hairstyles, with their "flick-out" and headband accents, added a touch of fashion-forward flair to the sporty aesthetic.The Dior spring 2025 ready-to-wear collection was a captivating display of the brand's commitment to empowering women through a fusion of fashion and athleticism. The dramatic archery opening, the Amazonian-inspired beauty look, and the overall emphasis on strength and resilience made this show a standout moment in the fashion calendar, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.