Transparency and the play with skin in haute couture dresses are set to be the dominant trend for summer 2025. The Dior Cruise 2026 collection dazzled by showing how sophistication can be blended with lightness, taking fashion to a whole new level. On Tuesday, May 27th, Rome became the epicenter of style with the presentation of Dior Cruise 2026, set against the majestic backdrop of the Villa Albani Torlonia Gardens.

"I want to show what I love, what I really love," said Maria Grazia Chiuri before presenting an emotional and almost all-white celebration of Rome, her hometown. This show, which marked Chiuri's final collection as creative director, holds historical significance, adding an extra layer of symbolism to an already breathtaking display of fashion.

As the designs captivated everyone’s attention, two special guests left an unforgettable mark: Natalie Portman and Eiza González. Portman, Dior’s muse, shone in a delicate dress made of transparent fabric, with fine details at the neckline, reinterpreting classic femininity with a modern twist. She paired the look with a white blazer, matching sandals, a sleek ponytail, and soft pink makeup, staying true to her clean and sophisticated aesthetic.

On the other hand, Eiza González, the ever-impeccable Mexican actress, stunned in a dress that paid tribute to Roman togas. The transparent outfit, with its contemporary design, captured the essence of the collection: a perfect combination of the ancient and the modern. With her loose waves and radiant makeup, Eiza embodied the essence of summer, adding a touch of Latin glamour and fiercely elegant attitude.

Chiuri's designs, featuring draped dresses inspired by Renaissance muses, were mixed with daring bustiers and dresses with shapes reminiscent of armor, creating a powerful and captivating visual narrative. The accessories added a dramatic flair: floating capes, wide shoulders, floral crowns, and contrasting textures elevated each look to a sublime level of theatricality. The color palette was refined and elegant, dominated by whites, blacks, and deep burgundy tones, which not only adorned the runway but also the attendees, creating a harmonious visual impact.

Velvet, in particular, ruled the evening looks, with asymmetric cuts that brought movement and intensity, while transparent fabrics provided the lightness and mysticism that defined the collection. Chiuri revealed a fascinating duality: the ancient versus the modern, softness versus strength, reflecting the creative tension that has been the hallmark of her work over the years.

This show was not only a display of Chiuri's vision but also a deeply meaningful farewell. After nine years at the helm of Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri is stepping down at a pivotal moment for the brand, a period during which she successfully merged feminism with luxury fashion, taking Dior to new heights both commercially and culturally.

Her final show became a tribute to elegance, female power, and the evolution of fashion—a symbolic and sophisticated closure to a legacy that will endure.

Photo Credits: IG @natalieportman