So long, corsets – Dior delivers couture you want to play tennis in

There were plenty of Grecian drapes, but none of it too literal; nor did boning or corsets make an appearance. “I hate all that,” says Chiuri, somewhat boldly, given their historical relevance to Dior. She is never less than respectful to the archives, however. More than any other designer since Marc Bohan, she has managed to stay true to the spirit of the house while constantly updating it. 

“There are other ways to sculpt the body,” she says. Jennifer Lopez, Venus Williams and Rosamund Pike were already wearing soft, drapey versions of Chiuri’s designs to the show, illustrating why, despite their heady prices, Dior continues to outsell most other luxury fashion offerings.