Maria Grazia Chiuri returns to Rome, staging Dior’s latest Cruise show at a rarely seen historic estate.
Dior has announced that its Cruise 2026 collection will be unveiled on May 27 at Villa Albani Torlonia in Rome, an 18th-century neoclassical estate rarely open to the public. Designed by architect Carlo Marchionni for Cardinal Alessandro Albani, the villa houses an extensive collection of Greco-Roman antiquities and features meticulously landscaped gardens. This marks the first time the estate will host a fashion show, offering a unique backdrop that intertwines art, history, and fashion.
The selection of Villa Albani Torlonia holds personal significance for Dior’s Creative Director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, who was born and raised in Rome. Chiuri has previously showcased Dior’s Cruise collections in culturally rich locations such as Scotland’s Drummond Castle and Mexico City’s Colegio de San Ildefonso. Her choice of this Roman villa reflects a deep connection to her heritage and a continued effort to highlight historical sites through fashion.
Speculation surrounds this event as it may be Chiuri’s final show for Dior. With Jonathan Anderson recently appointed to lead Dior Men, suggestions for a potential shift in the brand’s creative direction are circulating. Regardless of future developments, the upcoming show at Villa Albani Torlonia is poised to be a landmark event, marrying the maison’s legacy with Rome’s rich cultural tapestry.
