What better way to start the year than with a veritable celebration of the traditional arts of Puglia. Showcasing the excellence of priceless savoir-faire, the Dior 2021 Cruise Collection revisits the fairy-tale beauty of the Luminarie, with flamboyant motifs. Unlike other seasonal collections, the resort line is one that stays in stores and on e-commerce sites longest without going on sale – making it an ideal opportunity for designers to present timeless stories in the form of comfortable and well-tailored garments.

Forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” Puglia is known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and hundreds of kilometers of Mediterranean coastline. Regarded a vibrant port and university town, the Dior 2021 Cruise Collection aims to reflect Puglia’s rich cultural heritage, baroque architecture and relaxed atmosphere through a variety of accessories, bags and shoes elevated by masterful perforated or sculpted leatherwork.

As an ode to nature and the radiant landscapes of southern Italy, 90-look collection blurs all distinction between the humble and the haute, featuring an array of pinafore dresses, blanket-fringe skirts, and hand-knit sweaters. With a father who hails direct from Puglia, Maria Grazia Chiuri has taken great pride in championing the region’s craftspeople, and depicting the value of their tradition through her work – which has since proven to be highly sentimental and made with personal affection.