Glass discovers the savoir-faire behind Dior’s scarves

SCARVES are the ultimate accessory, worn in the winter to finish your outfit and thrown over the shoulders during dinners in the summer. The most versatile garment – unisex in design and adding elegance by nature. The Dior AW21 collection utilised the French fashion house’s codes and welcomed long-term contributor, Italian contemporary artist Pietro Ruffo back again. The works Ruffo created were translated onto fabric through colorisation via pen engraving techniques.

Dior scarves savoir faire 2021 Pen Engravings of Pietro Ruffo’s work. Photograph: Pol Baril

Dior scarves savoir faire 2021 The making of Dior scarves. Photograph: Pol Baril

Dior scarves savoir faire 2021 The making of Dior scarves. Photograph: Pol Baril

The romantic sketches were either silkscreened or inkjet printed onto silk inside the Italian ateliers. With the first step of this meticulous process completed, the next phases see the silk enter a tunnel of steam repeatedly and then wash in multiple baths of water one after another until the intended look and finish is found. Finally, the silk is cut by hand, and the square pieces of the fabric are either frayed or rolled as the last step.

Dior scarves savoir faire 2021 The making of Dior scarves. Photograph: Pol Baril

Dior scarves savoir faire 2021 Hand cutting of the silk. Photograph: Pol Baril

Dior scarves savoir faire 2021 Finishing touches. Photograph: Pol Baril

Dior scarves savoir faire 2021 Dior scarves. Photograph: Pol Baril

The attention to detail and art of making these wonderful scarves is so delicate and precise, it just emphasises Dior’s savoir-faire, an integral part to luxury fashion that they execute so well.

by Imogen Clark