The fashion world, while often wild and unpredictable with its insistence on the avant garde, follows an almost routine, if not predictable schedule of shows. And on Thursday (March 30th, 2023), French fashion house Dior held a truly lavish production with its historic Pre-Fall 2023 showcase, set to the backdrop of the Gateway of India.
Dior marks their Fall 2023 show in Mumbai to much fanfare
Described as Dior Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri’s tribute to India’s contributions in the global fashion scene, this marks the label’s second destination show in the country since 1962, when Marc Bohan staged two shows there; one in Mumbai and another in Delhi.
In present day, Maria Grazia’s Dior has maintained close ties with India through a continued collaboration with The Chanakya School of Embroidery and Fine Crafts.
Established in 2016 by Karishma Swali and Monica Shah, the Mumbai-based atelier aims to empower underprivileged women through traditional craft, and has been known to supply a myriad of pieces and fabrics for use in the French luxury house’s previous collections.
“I personally wanted to celebrate and showcase the incredible knowledge India offers to the international world of fashion in the field of embroidery, the mastery of the artisans who continue to work on this craft, and the commitment of Chanakya’s founders to preserving India’s history and culture, portrayed by each embroidery technique,” the designer said in a post to her Instagram.
As one can expect, the Pre-Fall showcase was a star-studded affair that was attended by some of India’s most prominent faces in high society, including famed Indian actress Rekha, style legend Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, actress Anushka Sharma and husband cricketeer Virat Kohli, among others. A glittering cast of stars, such as British actresses Simone Ashley and Maisie Williams, also graced the A-list.
Malaysia’s own Shikin Gomez makes a runway appearance
But where the runway is concerned, Malaysia’s very own Shikin Gomez made a splashing debut, dressed in a relaxed tunic, paired with a printed coat and matching pants, as well as layered strands of pearls.
With effortless cool, Shikin was a clear standout during the show with her elevated poise and effortless elegance as she glided down along a dramatic catwalk lined with traditional Indian floral design motifs.
Of course, that sense of comfort and familiarity comes from a wealth of experience that the model has in the field, what with Shikin’s reputation as a seasoned veteran on the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week circuit. What’s more, the Damansara native also made an appearance on Cycle 5 of Asia’s Next Top Model back in 2017, emerging as a runner up.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, Shikin rang in the achievement by expressing her gratitude to her modelling agency, as well as to Dior for entrusting her with the opportunity to walk for their show.
“Honestly lost for words for this Dior pre-fall 2023 show. Feels like a full circle moment to be in Mumbai, since Mumbai was the first city I was placed in after AsNTM (Asia’s Next Top Model).
For it to be here, for me to represent my country and everyone [who] looks like me. I feel humbled, proud, and ecstatic to be a part of history.
Thank you to @ikonmodelmgmt for believing in me, @dardinmc for moral support, and I can’t forget my biggest supporter, my family @sheixxfelix, @fuaddanny and @ramailaddin among others. I love you guys to the moon and back!” she said.
She also shared a post from Maria Grazia’s Instagram profile, where the designer celebrated the show with the full cast of models.
Check out the full presentation below!
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