Dior - Cruise 23 Campaign by Irene Cruz

When I received the briefing of the Cruise 23 collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri the reference that most captivated me was that related to the equestrian world. It totally inspired me by connecting with one of my great passions. For as long as I can remember I have had a great fascination for horses and as you could see yesterday during our meeting, I did not hesitate to communicate it to you with enthusiasm.

I consider that all my personal photographs come from my inner world, and it is important for me to reflect on how I can connect the work that at hand with what is most authentic in me.

Strength, power and nobility would be some of the adjectives that frame the essence and style around horses. I’ve read that the contemporary idea of the horse is more related to women’s freedom, which took hold of the male equestrian style in the eighteenth century: the first steps towards the revolution of the female style were already a reality. Later, during the middle of the twentieth century, the male executive suit also began to be part of the wardrobes of women around the world.

I loved this idea, I think its so powerful and with it I want to combine haute couture with these strong values that represent me, as an empowered woman who also retains and cherishes her sensitivity and feminine values.

Anyway I have chosen outfits that connect me more with the idea of femininity, with flying skirts and chiffons, along with others that refer me more to the outfits used for horseback riding, to find the balance between the ideas I would like to convey.

On the other hand, I think that the collection reflects the variety of signifiers that have been adopted by the culture of my country, specifically the Sevillian, the city where my ancestors (my grandparents) are from. All these contributions that have now become signs of identity, both in clothing and customs, dances, fairs, fill me with joy and inspiration to carry out such a special photo shoot, in a place as magical as La Corochuela villa.