Dior’s latest high jewellery collection, Diorama, transports wearers into a realm of enchanting fairy tales. Designed by Victoire de Castellane, artistic director of Dior Joaillerie since 1999, the collection pays homage to Christian Dior’s passion for gardens and roses. Named after the iconic Toile de Jouy fabric, Diorama marks a first for de Castellane by weaving dreamy foliage and whimsical animal motifs into its designs.
Toile de Jouy, originating from 18th-century France, features intricate scenes in a single color against a white background. It became popular thanks to figures like Marie Antoinette and later influenced Monsieur Dior, who adorned his first boutique with it in 1946. For Diorama, de Castellane breathes new life into this heritage with 172 pieces adorned with an unprecedented array of gemstones.
Each jewel tells a story, depicting three-dimensional flora and fauna scenes reminiscent of Milly-la-Forêt, a beloved garden town near Paris. The collection showcases craftsmanship through traditional techniques like glyptics and Dior’s signature lacquer, enhancing vibrant gemstone hues.
The centerpiece, the Foret Enchantee necklace, exemplifies this artistry with intricate sculptures of animals amidst foliage adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. Unveiled in Florence’s Basilica of Santa Maria Novella alongside Dior’s haute couture, the collection harmonized jewellery with neo-1960s couture, showcasing unique pieces from earrings to tiaras.
De Castellane also teased the upcoming Diorigami collection, inspired by Japanese paper folding, promising more geometric designs featuring animals and diamond embellishments. Diorama not only celebrates Dior’s legacy but also pushes the boundaries of haute joaillerie with its fusion of fantasy and craftsmanship.