The Dior Cruise Show Took Us on a Literal and Figurative Journey to Marrakech

The biggest names in the fashion industry took a trip to Morocco this week, when Maria Grazia Chiuri invited guests to the incredible Palais El Badi in Marrakech for the Dior Cruise 2020 show. The atmospheric grounds of the ancient palace were transformed into a runway, as models walked around the courtyard pool, which was lit with torches and bonfires to light up the night for the evening show. With the likes of Lupita Nyong'o, Jessica Alba, and Karlie Kloss in the front row, the designer presented a collection that traveled across continents, paying homage to pan-African craftsmanship and traditions, fusing them with heritage Dior hallmarks and new ideas.

The fashion house called on experts in African fashion and design to ensure this was a show that focused on cultural appreciation, not cultural appropriation. French anthropologist Anne Grosfilley assisted the designer as she researched and developed the collection, introducing her to some of the collaborators who helped with elements like the wax prints. Keep reading for all you need to know about the show.

The Show Took Place at the El Badi Palace in Marrakech, Morocco
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

The Show Took Place at the El Badi Palace in Marrakech, Morocco

Lupita Nyong'o Sat in the Front Row
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Lupita Nyong'o Sat in the Front Row

Lupita wore a Dior Fall-Winter 2019-2020 black silk bodysuit with embroidered black tulle skirt, a Dior Saddle bag in black leather, a Dior black leather Saddle belt, and Dior shoes.

Jessica Alba Also Attended
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Jessica Alba Also Attended

Jessica wore a Dior Fall 2019 printed tulle bodysuit with printed tulle skirt and Dior shoes.

Shailene Woodley Was Among the Glamorous Guests
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Shailene Woodley Was Among the Glamorous Guests

Shailene wore a Dior Spring-Summer 2019 printed cotton voile long dress, a Dior blue leather clutch, and Dior shoes.

Karlie Kloss Skipped the Runway and Sat in the Front Row Instead
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Karlie Kloss Skipped the Runway and Sat in the Front Row Instead

Karlie wore a Dior Fall 2019 black silk dress, a Dior belt, a Lady Dior black leather bag, and Dior shoes.

The Show Was as Glamorous as You'd Expect
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

The Show Was as Glamorous as You'd Expect

Models Wore All Manner of Intricate Gowns
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Models Wore All Manner of Intricate Gowns

But They Also Sported Some More Utility-Inspired Pieces
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

But They Also Sported Some More Utility-Inspired Pieces

Safari Suiting Made an Appearance, Too
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Safari Suiting Made an Appearance, Too

The Venue Definitely Provided Ample Inspiration
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

The Venue Definitely Provided Ample Inspiration

Evening Gowns Were Rich With Detail and Embellishment
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Evening Gowns Were Rich With Detail and Embellishment

There Were Even Some Classic Dior References, Like This Nod to the New Look
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

There Were Even Some Classic Dior References, Like This Nod to the New Look

Wax Fabrics Were a Big Part of the Collection
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Wax Fabrics Were a Big Part of the Collection

Print Was Everywhere, on Skirts, Dresses, and Capes
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Print Was Everywhere, on Skirts, Dresses, and Capes

Tarot Provided Inspiration For Some Designs
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Tarot Provided Inspiration For Some Designs

Maria Grazia Chiuri Called on Experts to Help Her With the Africa-Inspired Elements
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Maria Grazia Chiuri Called on Experts to Help Her With the Africa-Inspired Elements

Dior's creative director collaborated with Grace Wales Bonner, Mickalene Thomas, and Pathé Ouédraogo on various elements of the collection. Uniwax, which uses traditional methods of wax printing, was involved in developing the prints. Milliner Stephen Jones collaborated with Martine Henry and Daniella Osemadewa on headpieces.

There Were a Few Simpler Pieces, Too
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

There Were a Few Simpler Pieces, Too

And Plenty of Red Carpet Gowns
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

And Plenty of Red Carpet Gowns

A Dior Show Isn't Complete Without the Accessories
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

A Dior Show Isn't Complete Without the Accessories

Heritage Styles, Like the Dior Monogram, Took Center Stage
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Heritage Styles, Like the Dior Monogram, Took Center Stage

The Saddle Bag Continues to Enjoy a Renaissance
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

The Saddle Bag Continues to Enjoy a Renaissance

Oversize Clutches Also Featured
Getty | Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Oversize Clutches Also Featured

Diana Ross Was in Attendance, and She Did Much More Than Watch the Show
Getty | Pascal Le Segretain

Diana Ross Was in Attendance, and She Did Much More Than Watch the Show

Guests Were Treated to a Live Performance Once the Show Was Over