The centrepiece of the Dior Couture A/W 2022-2023 show’s scenography was The Tree of Life. It holds up the sky and connects through its branches and roots, serving as a symbol of interconnectedness between civilizations, mythologies, and all forms of creation.
The embroidery for the scenography was expertly created by the talented artisans of the Chanakya atelier. The Tree of Life is hand embroidered using small needlepoint methods, jute threads put in strategic locations, and delicate threads in satin stitches.
To achieve a subtle gradation of detail, the Chanakya ateliers use traditional and ancestor stitching techniques such punto croce, or the cross-stitch, and its variations, many types of couching, the feather stitch, and a variety of satin stitches. Cross stitch colour layering was used to construct the floral garlands and wheat crowns in order to represent the depth of the roses, and organic threads, couching, and braiding were used to make the wheat stalks.
All images: Courtesy Dior.
