Since its founding in 1946, the House of Dior has constantly cultivated a powerful, deeply inspiring relationship with Versailles. The embodiment of French art de vivre, this iconic palace exerted an incredible allure for Christian Dior who, starting with his earliest collections, named several of his designs Trianon or, quite simply, Versailles.

Those elective affinities also reflect the founding couturier’s passion for parties and fancy dress balls. In 1951, he designed – with Salvador Dalí – fabulous costumes for the “Ball of the Century” hosted by his friend Charles de Beistegui at the Palazzo Labia in Venice. The couturier described that unique, fairy-tale reception in his memoirs^*: “This was the most marvellous spectacle which I have ever seen, or ever shall see. The splendour of the costumes rivalled the splendid attire of the figures in the Tiepolo frescoes on the walls. (…) Parties like that are genuine works of art.” In moments such as these, dreams embrace reality, recalling the splendour of Versailles.

As 2024 draws to a close, Dior pays enchanting tribute to those multiple, alchemical influences in a new collaboration with Pietro Ruffo. For the occasion, the Rome-based artist has designed an original motif evoking the palace’s decorative jewels and symbols. Incorporating floral themes that nod to the arabesques on carpetry woven for the royal apartments or the graphic black-and-white marble flooring, his majestic drawing is adorned with the name “Christian Dior”, affixed like a delicate seal. A sumptuous universe that this season extends to several creations dedicated to beauty: for example, cases for Dior Addict lipstick, affirming more than ever the ultra-couture identity of those objects of desire; the Dior Forever Couture luminizer; and the Dior Forever Cushion Powder foundation.

In a further ode to the art of dreams, emblematic makeup products (re)appear in gold, transposing the magic of the “Ball of Dreams” to illuminate the festive season. Light also dresses and magnifies Rouge Dior and the must-have Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Sequin, which reveals an incandescent, shimmering effect with just a press of the lips, and now is revisited in ten captivating, irresistibly magnetic colours.

Presented in a precious case, Diorshow 5 Couleurs palettes have been reinvented in two new editions: Golden Masquerade – a subtle, coppery palette combining luminous and patinated tones, enhanced by a violet-tinged nude and a sumptuous matte burgundy – and Soir de Bal, which blends the refinement of powdery and pearly pinks and grey-mauve with the sensuality of taupe and the intensity of metallic silver.

For a dazzling touch that finishes a look with an extra dash of grace, shimmering editions of Dior Vernis nail polish are entitled Lumière, for the golden topcoat, and Soir de Bal, for a deep pink shade. An odyssey poised at the junction of rapture and emotion, brought to life in a campaign featuring the new Dior ambassador Deva Cassel. The images exalt French elegance, transcribing all the magnificence of the most gorgeous evenings of celebration.