Embroidery on the catwalk

During 2020 the world's fashion shows abruptly ceased but they are returning in socially-aware style. 

The fashion house DIOR recently held its 2021/ 22 autumn/ winter haute couture show in Paris. The collection, inspired by fairytales, took place in front of an installation by French artist, Eva Jospin, whose signature cardboard forests have brought worldwide attention . The 350 square metre backdrop is of landscapes of forest, mountains and waterfalls, embroidered in intricate detail by artisans and students at Chanakya Atelier. The show has had the media talking, not just because of the craft on display but also because the show has drawn attention deliberately to the people who actually made the work; an unusual focus in the fashion industry. 

In this article you can read about this celebration of French couture and Indian artisanal skills while this article from Vogue includes an interview with Eva Jospin. The video below is of the show as it happened. 

Thank you to a South African contributor for this story.