Amid the bustling streets of Mumbai, the Dior boutique at Jio World Plaza recently hosted an unforgettable launch event for its Cruise 2025 collection. The exclusive gathering, which brought together high-profile guests such as actor Vijay Varma, entrepreneur Diipa Büller-Khosla, and Vogue India’s Rochelle Pinto, showcased Dior’s latest designs, blending modern punk elements with timeless Scottish heritage.
An Evening of Elegance and Rebellion
As guests arrived at the Dior boutique, they were greeted by the soft hum of champagne glasses clinking and the fragrant allure of delicate desserts. The boutique, air-conditioned and cool against the Indian heat, was adorned with an eye-catching photo wall created by Italian artist Pietro Ruffo. Titled Curiosités de la Mer, the wall evoked the natural beauty of the sea, featuring multicoloured seaweed, algae, and starfish, setting the tone for the evening’s celebrations.
The event, however, wasn’t just a typical fashion affair—it was an experience. While Mumbai’s streets bustled with activity outside, the interior of Dior’s store transported attendees to the lush, green landscapes of Scotland, the inspiration behind Cruise 2025. The collection, which had been unveiled earlier in Drummond Castle Gardens in Scotland, was a tribute to the Scottish heritage, with silhouettes that ranged from romantic to rebellious, seamlessly combining old-world Scottish craft with contemporary punk influences.
A Nod to Scottish Heritage
The Cruise 2025 collection draws heavily from the iconic figure of Mary Stuart, Scotland’s most famous sovereign. Dior’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, reimagines the visionary monarch through a lens that combines fragility and strength. Key elements of the collection include intricate embroidery of Scotland’s national symbols, such as the unicorn and thistle, alongside modern interpretations of traditional Scottish patterns like tweed, tartan, and Argyle motifs.
The collection also features a mix of luxurious materials, such as velvet, lace, and wool, juxtaposed with sportswear fabrics, creating a striking dialogue between the past and present. The strong, sculptural shapes, including corset armours and exaggerated shoulder silhouettes, are balanced by delicate details, making each piece an artistic interpretation of Scotland’s rich history and Dior’s contemporary style.
The Scottish influence doesn’t stop at the designs—accessories also play a key role in telling the story. From leather riding boots adorned with straps and zippers to chunky pendants on chokers, every detail reflects the collection’s inspiration. The bags, too, carry a nod to Scotland’s heraldic symbols, celebrating both Dior’s heritage and the country’s storied past.
The Return of the Iconic Saddle Bag
One of the most exciting elements of the Cruise 2025 collection is the return of Dior’s iconic saddle bag, a design that became synonymous with fashion icon Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. After its rise to fame, the saddle bag has maintained its status as a must-have accessory for the fashion elite, and this season, it receives a punk-inspired makeover.
The new saddle bags are sleek and minimalistic, featuring bold silver borders and perforated details that evoke a sense of rebellion. The clean, pared-back design ensures the bags remain versatile and timeless, perfectly complementing the overall aesthetic of the collection.
An Immersive Dior Experience
Throughout the evening, the Dior boutique transformed into a world of its own. Guests were invited to immerse themselves in the collection, admiring not only the Cruise 2025 pieces but also Dior’s men’s collection designed by Kim Jones. The men’s range included sleek trousers, tailored shirts, and statement accessories, including platform slides and monogrammed footwear.
Actor Vijay Varma, known for his suave style, was also spotted at the event, donning a single-breasted suit from the Dior Men’s Ready-to-Wear Winter 2024 collection. With its earthy tones and fluid, sixties-inspired cuts, Varma’s outfit made a striking statement. He accessorized with a pearl brooch, featuring the initials “CD” and three crystal pearls, adding a touch of glamour to the look.
Guests mingled, posing for photos against the sea-inspired backdrop, trying on jewellery and shoes from the new collection, and enjoying tarot readings in the boutique’s fitting rooms. With champagne flowing and the sun setting outside, the event felt like a dream—an escape into a world of high fashion and timeless elegance.
