Dior to Stage Cruise 2026 Show at Rome’s Villa Albani Torlonia
Dior will unveil its Cruise 2026 collection on May 27 at Villa Albani Torlonia, an extraordinary and rarely accessed estate in the heart of Rome. The location marks a significant shift in setting from last year’s presentation at Scotland’s Drummond Castle and underscores the maison’s continued dialogue with history, culture, and place.
The neoclassical villa, designed in the 18th century by Carlo Marchionni for Cardinal Alessandro Albani, is renowned for its unparalleled collection of Greco-Roman antiquities. Built on terraces once lined with vineyards, Villa Albani Torlonia remains largely off-limits to the public—visits require appointments, and photography is strictly controlled. Dior’s Cruise show will mark the first time the site has hosted a fashion presentation, offering a rare glimpse into one of Rome’s most storied private residences.
For Maria Grazia Chiuri, who was born and raised in Rome, the choice is both professional and deeply personal. Having begun her career at Fendi and Valentino, the Creative Director of Dior’s women’s collections has increasingly brought her Roman heritage to the forefront of her work. This show marks her first Cruise presentation for the house in the Italian capital.
In recent years, Chiuri has invested in the cultural fabric of Rome—notably by restoring the Teatro della Cometa, a historic venue closed during the pandemic, and curating exhibitions at the Vatican Apostolic Library. The upcoming show continues her longstanding interest in reanimating historic spaces through the lens of fashion.
This return to Rome arrives at a moment of transition for Dior. With Jonathan Anderson newly appointed to lead Dior Men, some speculate that Chiuri’s show at Villa Albani Torlonia may be her last for the maison. Whether or not a succession is imminent, the Cruise 2026 show promises to be a landmark event—one that bridges antiquity with contemporary vision inside a site steeped in Roman legacy.
