(Cat)walk like an Egyptian: Dior’s pyramids of Giza show was the fashion brand’s first at the historic monument, where models sported futuristic menswear against a stunning 4,500-year-old backdrop

Dec 6, 2022

Christian Dior held its first fashion show at the Giza pyramids in Egypt on December 3. Photo: AFP

Dior’s autumn 2023 menswear fashion show made an impact by being staged in front of Egypt’s pyramids at Giza, which were lit up for the occasion – Cairo is also gaining traction as a hub for creatives

The futuristic collection, titled ‘Celestial’, was in stark contrast to Egypt’s millennia-old pyramids, which have already played host to Stefano Ricci’s show this year

French fashion house Dior on Saturday, December 3, held its first show at Egypt’s ancient Giza pyramids, presenting its 2023 autumn men’s collection in the shadow of the millennia-old tombs.

A model presents a creation by French fashion house Dior during the presentation of its men’s pre-autumn 2023 collection in front of the pyramids in Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, on December 3. Photo: Reuters

Dwarfed by the vast Giza necropolis – their imposing ridges illuminated by white light for the show – models showcased the collection titled “Celestial”.

A model presents a creation at the Christian Dior fashion show at the Giza pyramids necropolis on the outskirts of the twin city of Egypt’s capital, on December 3. Photo: AFP

Saturday’s show was the second by a European fashion house to use Ancient Egyptian heritage sites as a backdrop this year.

French fashion house Dior held its first show at Egypt’s ancient Giza pyramids, presenting its 2023 autumn men’s collection in the shadow of the of the millennia-old tombs. Photo: AFP

In October, Italian designer Stefano Ricci showcased his most recent collection at the Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor.

Christian Dior’s autumn men’s collection gave a space-age impression against the Giza pyramids on December 3. Photo: AFP

Egypt’s Giza pyramids, just west of the capital Cairo, has in recent years played host to ever-grander events, including pop concerts and contemporary art exhibitions, as the North African country seeks to project a revitalised image to draw in new tourism and business.

Dior’s fashion show at Giza, on December 7, is just one of many events that have landed in the Egyptian capital of Cairo recently. Photo: EPA-EFE

Media entrepreneur Amy Mowafi said events like Dior’s “put Egypt on the map as a new hub for creativity and design” where creators can draw on “seven thousand years of inspiration”.