Olé! Flamenco fire warms up French haute couture house Dior
Models present outfits by Christian Dior during a cruise show to unveil the 2023 collection, in Seville, Spain, June 16, 2022. (Reuters Photo)


The Spanish city of Seville hosted a live show by Christian Dior on Thursday, celebrating the colorful culture of flamenco.

The event is one of several that mark the return of luxury labels to the catwalk after a period of dormancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Models present the Dior 'The Cruise 2023' collection, designed by Italian Maria Grazia Chiuri, at Spain Square in Seville, Spain, June 16, 2022. (EPA Photo)
Models present Dior's "The Cruise 2023" collection, designed by Italian Maria Grazia Chiuri, at Spain Square in Seville, Spain, June 16, 2022. (EPA Photo)

The event in the city's historic Plaza de Espana showcased the French brand's new "Cruise 2023" collection, including looks that evoked the Duchess of Alba, the world's most titled aristocrat and a flamenco fashion icon for decades at Seville's Feria de Abril until her death in 2014.

Dior's Italian creative chief, Maria Grazia Chiuri, told Reuters the show and collection included several collaborations, including one with Spanish choreographer Blanca Li.

Models wear creations as part of the Dior Cruise 2023 fashion collection presented in Seville, Spain, June 16, 2022. (AP Photo)
Models present outfits by Christian Dior during a cruise show to unveil the 2023 collection, in Seville, Spain, June 16, 2022. (Reuters Photo)

Chiuri said other collaborations produced individual items, such as hats, and what she called a "very unique and haute couture" method of embroidery featuring thread made from "real silver and real gold."

"I've never seen it before, not in Paris, not in Italy and not in India," Chiuri said.

Models present outfits by Christian Dior during a cruise show to unveil the 2023 collection, in Seville, Spain, June 16, 2022. (Reuters Photo)

Flamenco is an artistic expression blending song, dance and musicianship that it is rooted in southern Spain. Usually, the singers reflect the feelings of grief, joy and tragedy in the simplest and shortest manner.