It's no secret that fashion and feminism don't always see eye to eye, but it seems the two worlds have produced a significant new friendship – and for none has its influence been clearer to see than Dior.
This discourse has dominated its SS17 collection, the first since Maria Grazia Chiuri became the first female artistic director in the Parisian powerhouse's history. Paired with a detailed midnight-blue ruffle skirt, her white "We Should All Be Feminists" T-shirt became the talking point of Paris Fashion Week last September, capturing more social media engagement than any other piece from the collection. Off the catwalk, the T-shirt has remained a highlight globally. The designer's statement is taken directly from the title of feminist writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's book, and the author herself was spotted at the show.
This modern fashion moment will be documented in the new two-part television series Inside Dior, airing on More4 in the UK from 9 February. The first episode will take viewers into the inner sanctum of its atelier as the iconic brand gears up to celebrate its 70th anniversary, while the second turns its focus to this latest chapter in its history, tracing the run-up to Chiuri's debut.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Dior's message of empowerment doesn't stand alone, as slogans and sassy one-liners dominate elsewhere this season. A bag at Loewe proclaims "See u later", while dresses at Stella McCartney say "Thanks Girls". As we wish away the winter blues and begin to replenish our summer style, we will let our clothes speak up when we feel lost for words.
Maria Grazia Chiuri's first collection for Dior is available in boutiques from 27 February. Pre-orders on dior.com until 10 February
Continue reading for free
We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.
Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.