Earlier this year, when Dior opened their grandiose contemporary Sydney flagship, it was only the precursor to the enchanting delights the luxury maison’s had in store for their iconic 30 Avenue Montaigne boutique.
Now, house ambassador Nicole Warne is sending us her postcards from Paris Fashion Week, indulging us in the splendours of Dior’s first home, the sights and sounds of fashion week and inside the Jardin des Tuileries where the heritage brand unveiled their renaissance inspired SS/23 collection.
For fashion fanatics, Dior’s 30 Avenue Montaigne boutique is the happiest place on earth (our apologies to Disneyland Paris), which Monsieur Christian Dior described as the mecca of ‘new look’ bar jackets and book totes as “refuge of the marvellous”.
Armed with a micro mustard yellow Lady Dior bag, the Australiana inspired wattle-embroidered 66-22 pump and D-Trap corset belt, scroll on below for your inside look into Nicole’s travel diary from 30 Avenue Montaige.
30 Montaigne is where Christian Dior first showed his collections, all those years ago. How does it feel to be walking through the newly renovated space?
It would be impossible to visit a space like 30 Montaigne without feeling the lingering energy of Monsieur Dior.
He’s everywhere you turn in this stunning museum, which is bursting with rich heritage and memorabilia that’s still in its original state—handwritten notes to his sister, sketches, photographs. I learnt so much about him from my time there, but more than anything I could feel his unwavering passion and dedication to making women feel beautiful, in the clothing they wore to the scent they chose.
To walk through reproductions of his office, his cabine, his ateliers, and his lounge for the fashion shows felt as if I was visiting an old friend. It was remarkable.
What is your favourite space within 30 Montaigne?
The Dior Ball (Room 10) really is breathtaking. From the way it’s designed to the Couture dresses on display, it transports you to another world.
There’s beautiful videos projected onto the walls that bring movement and life to the room, and the finale really makes you feel like you’re witnessing the magic of the House of Dior. My tip is to find a seat and make sure you stay to watch the entire show!
Christian Dior redefined French elegance in 1946, a mission the Maison continues with each season. Why do you think the world is still obsessed with French style to this day?
The very first outfit Christian Dior designed—a tailored, feminine white jacket with a full circle black skirt and straw hat—is so timeless that its silhouettes are still relevant to today’s fashion 75 years later. I feel that’s a perfect example of why the French style continues to be emulated because, like Christian Dior, it’s always elegant, classic, and chic. Elegance never goes out of style.
Do you have a favourite Dior piece you own, and is there a story behind it?
It’s hard to choose but I think my favourite is the J’Adior Slingback Flats. I love how easily I can style them in new, fresh ways year after year. They hold so many fond memories of travelling the world, from walking the streets in Paris to the hustle and bustle of New York. I usually prefer heels but these make me feel so elegant and chic.
How did you like the SS23 show? Did you have a favourite look?
For the show, the room had been transformed into a magnificent grotto made from cardboard by artist Eva Jospin, which had people in awe as they inspected it closely.
The dance performances by choreographers, Imre and Marne van Opstal opened the show and set a poetic tone. I loved the juxtaposition of the hoop cage dresses that looked like Haute Couture, with the cotton floaty skirts, crop tops and shorts that are reminiscent of our effortless Australian style—aspirational with accessible styling, combined in one spectacular show.
What’s something you’ve noticed at Paris Fashion Week this year that those of us at home might not see in the coverage?
The energy at Paris Fashion Week this season feels electric. I think it translates in some of the collections and shows, but in-person it almost feels tangible. Everyone is just happy to be returning to a version of normality and it seems everyone appreciates the human connection and touch more than ever. It felt like a contagious state of joy.
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