Dior's Cruise 2025 Collection Is Fit for a Modernized Scottish Costume Drama

It’s the time of year when big luxury fashion houses present their cruise collections via extravagant runway shows in — and often inspired by — far-flung destinations across the globe. And of those we’ve seen so far, Dior’s presentation in Scotland Monday evening featured the most historical concept and, arguably, the most picturesque setting: Drummond Castle, initially built in 1409, and its breathtaking gardens.

The show and collection exemplify how seriously Maria Grazia-Chiuri takes these destination events, diving into the region’s culture and collaborating with local artists. As Dior teased on social media, references included Mary, Queen of Scots and her symbolic needlework and embroidery, as well as a series of tapestries depicting late medieval times called “La Dame à la Licorne.” She also collaborated with independent Scottish knitwear designer Samantha McCoach of the brand Le Kilt, as well as local manufacturers including Harris Tweed, cashmere mills Johnstons of Elgin and Esk Cashmere and Robert Mackie, per Vogue Runway.

The result is an austere, tartan-filled collection rife with medieval and early Victorian references — modernized by more current, and at times punk-y, touches — that fit right in with the historical backdrop. It’s as if the collection was made for a dazzling period drama — a medieval Scottish answer to “Bridgerton,” perhaps.

Dominated by wool knits, armor-like bodices, billowing outerwear, fur-trimmed jackets, clunky boots and structured 15th- and 16th-century silhouettes with belted waists — all in a solemn color palette of greys, blacks, dark reds and greens — the collection is also a far cry from the breezy resortwear other designers have presented this season. That said, there is a certain practicality to many of Grazia-Chiuri’s designs, from the unfussy jackets, shorts and skirts, to the cross-body bags and knee-high black boots seemingly designed for a wet climate like Scotland’s; even the gowns have a certain ease to them. Together, the collection powerfully conveys the sense of feminine strength and rebellion that Grazia-Chiuri has embedded into her aesthetic for Dior, and for which Mary, Queen of Scots surely served as the perfect muse.

See every look from Dior’s Cruise 2025 collection below.

Dior Cruise 2025. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight