In January 2025, Dior's Spring/Summer Haute Couture show in Paris featured a captivating installation titled "The Flowers We Grew" by Mumbai-based artist Rithika Merchant. This collaboration, held at the Musée Rodin, seamlessly blended fashion and art, drawing inspiration from Merchant's rich matriarchal heritage.

Merchant's artwork, known for its exploration of myth and nature, was transformed into large embroidered tapestries by artisans from the Chanakya School of Craft. The installation featured motifs such as jackfruit trees, pepper vines, and banana leaves, reflecting stories passed down by the women in her family. Merchant stated, "I come from a long line of wild, fierce, and powerful matriarchs." 

Dior's Creative Director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, has a history of collaborating with women artists to create immersive show environments. For this collection, Chiuri drew inspiration from surrealist artist Dorothea Tanning, aiming to merge fantasy and reality. Merchant's installation complemented this vision, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that resonated with the collection's themes. 

The show received acclaim for its seamless integration of art and fashion, with Merchant's vibrant tapestries providing a striking backdrop to Chiuri's designs. Reflecting on the experience, Merchant expressed, "It's surreal to see my work this big." 

This collaboration highlighted the power of storytelling and the influence of matriarchal heritage in contemporary art and fashion. By bringing together Merchant's evocative visuals and Dior's haute couture, the show celebrated the enduring legacy of women's narratives across cultures and generations.