Jonathan Anderson, the creative director of Dior, presented the brand's Fall Winter 2026-27 Haute Couture collection on Monday at the Musée Rodin in Paris, drawing inspiration from American sculptor Lynda Benglis. This marks Anderson's second haute couture collection for Dior since taking the role in 2025.
The collection showcases a unique blend of fashion and sculpture, as it reflects Benglis's artistic techniques. According to a description on Dior's website, the collection "responds, in the language of couture, to the work of American sculptor Lynda Benglis." It emphasizes how fabric can be transformed into sculptural forms, similar to Benglis's approach of knotting and molding materials.
Key Features of the Collection
Several garments in the collection prominently feature Benglis-inspired pleat work. Highlights include:
- A gray shawl
- A bronze-and-gold top
- A silver gown with an off-kilter bow
Additionally, models donned headpieces reminiscent of Benglis’s sculptures, further merging art and fashion. Benglis also collaborated on some handbags showcased during the event, according to WWD.
Inspiration from Ahmedabad and the Peacock Series
The collection also reflects Benglis’s connection to Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India, which inspired her "Peacock" series in the 1970s. This influence is evident in the 24th and 30th looks of the collection, which feature large fans adorned with bright floral and beaded embellishments, closely mirroring Benglis’s work titled Zanzidae, From the Peacock Series (1979).
Anderson's Ongoing Admiration for Benglis
Anderson's admiration for Benglis is not new; he previously drew inspiration from her work for the Loewe Spring/Summer 2024 show, where he incorporated her sculptures and collaborated on jewelry pieces. "She’s a genius, and I think there’s something about how she looks at form where it nearly becomes in a way muscular," Anderson stated to WWD. He noted that Benglis's contributions to art have only recently begun to receive the recognition they deserve.
Benglis, known for her groundbreaking approach to sculpture, gained notoriety in the late 1960s and ’70s for her innovative use of materials, including pigmented latex. Her most recent major exhibition at the Barbican Centre in London paired her work with that of Alberto Giacometti, showcasing her enduring impact on the art world.
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