Once upon a time, Christian Dior wrote that tartan was “the only fancy fabric that resists fashions”, transcending trends for eternal meaning and beauty. In Scotland, tartan represents people and place, with each clan crafting and donning their own version. In fashion, it has leapt from these lands alone, to encapsulate a rang of aesthetics from romanticism to punk.
For its Cruise 2025 collection, Dior has paid homage to this aesthetic gift from Scotland to the rest of the world.
Leaning into both Scottish cultural heritage, and the maison’s own lengthy relationship with the land, the collection is a love note to Scotland’s dark but romantic history.
Hosted in the gardens of Drummond Castle, the Dior Cruise show was attended by a number of famous faces who continue to adore the brand.
Fresh off the Furiosa press tour, Anya Taylor Joy sat front row, joined by Jennifer Lawrence, Rosamund Pike and Spice Girl, Geri Halliwell.
The parade of tartan, leather and lace drew inspiration from its location, weaving (literally) subtle nods to Scotland and the drama of the highlands.
The unicorn and the thistle, emblems of Scotland, were shaped into a variation of Dior’s millefleurs motif, while one model was even draped in a map of Scotland.
Purple, yellow, red and grey tartans were shown down the runway alongside structured jackets, puffed sleeves, pleated kilts and fitted bustiers.
Dior Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri took inspiration from the maison’s heritage ties to the nation, and the time Christian Dior spent there in 1955, showing his work in the ballrooms of the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire.
Photographs from this spring-summer 1955 presentation were transformed into prints on kilts, gowns and pea coats.
A stunning clash of textures emerged in high contrast of voluminous and sculptural leather, to sumptuous black velvet and delicate lace. This was occasionally overlaid with luxurious knits and equestrian flourishes in buckles, belts and boots.
Like the Scottish highlands themselves, the Dior Cruise 2025 collection was both dramatic and nostalgic, tapping into eternal aesthetic appeal that will endure.
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