Scotland is even rainier than England, if that’s possible, and Maria Grazia Chiuri arrived prepared for the weather. For her Resort 2025 collection, Dior’s creative director of womenswear sent out a battalion of black boots, and some sturdy flat shoes, during a dramatic show in the manicured gardens of Drummond Castle in Perthshire.
Protective, performance footwear is important in a place like Scotland, where the country pursuits include fly fishing, deer stalking, hunting, hiking and golf, of course. Chiuri had all of those sports in mind when she designed the collection, and gave even the stompiest of styles a glamorous edge.
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The show took place on Monday night, at twilight, in the vast, Italianate gardens below the castle, which dates to the late 15th century. Models strode across the grass wearing black boots with rounded toes over colorful, argyle above-the-knee socks.
Some boots were knee-high and adorned with leather straps, buckles, silver grommet details, and lug-soles, while others resembled waders, with cheeky garter details at the top. There were rainboots, too, some of which were worn partly unzipped.
Shoes, all of which were flat, had a similar surefooted look. One Mary Jane style had thick soles and silvery studs arranged into delicate patterns while another square-toed style resembled a ballet shoe, but with thick buckled straps across the top.
The boots and shoes were worn with sculptural minidresses, lacy gowns and draped, fringed tartan dresses, capes and skirts.
Chiuri said the collection as a whole was inspired by Mary, Queen of Scots’ wardrobe, “which mixed very fragile lace with velvet,” and showcased a variety of contrasting materials. “In the show we mixed together sportswear with fragile materials,” she added.
All the boots and shoes were versatile, and will work just as well stomping around muddy gardens as they will striding into dinner at the castle.
