Dior Loves Tarot Cards, and You Should Too

Apr 14

Apr 14 Dior Loves Tarot Cards, and You Should Too

In the very first look of Dior’s Haute Couture SS 2021 collection video, a female model dressed in a gorgeous jacquard cape and gown set with luxurious gold detailing reaches out her hand toward you, holding a giant iron key. She is seated on a vintage-looking chair and wears a beautiful three-tiered crown that perfectly complements her dramatic updo. The presentation is completed with a vertical backdrop, which has a mesmerizing pattern that draws you in further.

She is the High Priestess, and she invites you into the Castle of Tarot.

If you’ve read my previous article on the visual history of tarot cards, you’d realize that this gorgeous golden robe dress is reminiscent of the oldest surviving deck of tarot cards — the Visconti-Sforza deck of the late 14th century.

Maria Grazia is drawing from her Italian roots and Dior’s French-Italian heritage for this showstopper piece, and I always appreciate when designers reinvent classic silhouettes.

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I don’t think this dress is as gorgeous and well-executed compared to other pieces in the collection, but I like this particular scene of Judgement sitting in the middle of the room, waiting for the protagonist to make her deicision.

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I love the Fool. She walks into Judgement’s territory and transforms the solemn atmosphere into something whimsical and quirky. The top is reminiscent of Maria Grazia’s previous collection inspired by cave paintings, while the bottom is fun and colorful.

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This is one of my favorites scenes. The dark gold of the dress under the blue lighting appears mysterious and sophisticated, as if actually hiding secrets to the future.

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Although it is impossible to see the dress in this lighting, I love the billowing effect of the sleeves. As the photoshoot indicates, the shimmery fabric and the intricate draping are better viewed when the model is in action.

I actually despise the horns and the gaudy set of wings for the Devil. It is not smart, not artfully done, and not thought-provoking.

This crescent-shaped hair is my FAVORITE detail. The model’s blonde hair is illuminated by the overhead light in the perfect amount, creating an elegant effect that resembles the actual moon in the night sky. On the other hand, the crystal headband in the photoshoot is generic and not very creative.

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This mask is incredible! I can’t tell what it is made of, but its metallic surface reflects the light in such an interesting way, and it’s so intricately constructed to imitate the shape of the skull. This is probably the most elegant skull mask I’ve seen, and it is a beautiful detail that completes to the concept.

My first impression of Death, or the grim reaper, would be a long black cloak. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised by this dress, which in a gorgeous, shimmery gray color. I love the puff sleeves and how the fabric is gathered below the high waistline, but I do not like the weird shape of the chest area.

Overall, I find the visuals and storyline rather interesting. It is a new way of showcasing the collection that captures our curiosity and furthers our understanding of the story behind these beautiful, elaborate pieces. I also enjoy the contrast between the video and the photoshoot, which enables the audience to have a better sense of how the pieces look in different lightings.

Both Monsieur Dior and Maria Grazia Chiuri are inspired by tarot cards, and it is something that perfectly aligns with the marriage of French and Italian aesthetics that is integral to the history of the brand. In addition to the SS 2021 collection drawing inspiration from the Visconti-Sforza deck, the AW 2018 collection also featured a luxurious tarot coat that showcases craftsmanship of the highest level. If you need a quick crash course on the visual history of tarot cards, check out my article.