French fashion house Dior has chosen the serene gardens of Kyoto’s Tō-ji Temple for its Pre-Fall 2025 collection show, marking a return to Japan. House founder Christian Dior first presented his collections in Japan in 1953.
Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s Creative director of womenswear, chose the UNESCO World Heritage site because of its profound cultural significance. Founded in 796, the temple stands proud with its distinctive five-story pagoda, surrounded by tranquil gardens and peaceful ponds where turtles and koi fish swim beneath the surface.
“The cradle of exclusive craftsmanship honed by generations of gifted artisans, the city offers a unique context to reignite some of these creative exchanges,” Chiuri said, reflecting on her decision to present the Pre-Fall 2025 collection in this historic location.
The choice of Kyoto holds special significance, given the house’s historical ties to local artisans. “In the early 1950s, Christian Dior began collaborating with a Kyoto-based silk workshop: he subsequently designed a series of looks for his haute couture collection which he cut in the precious Japanese textile,” Chiuri explained.
The presentation, which will take place on April 15th, follows Dior‘s global journey, which included stops in Seoul, Mumbai and New York City.
Meanwhile, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dior Cruise 2026 (Resort 2026) will be shown in Rome on May 27th.
