946 Christian Dior Vespa Debuts in Spring 2021, Designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri

French luxury brand Dior and Italian scooter brand Vespa have launched an exclusive version of the 946 model simply titled 946 Christian Dior. The limited-edition scooters will reach the market in spring 2021, sold in Dior boutiques worldwide and in select Piaggio group Motoplex stores.

Dior Creative Director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, designed the limited-edition version of the Vespa 946 in a moment when sad spirits worldwide seek a brighter, more creative vision than the one before us. Coincidentally, 1946 is the year that Dior opened its maison in Paris, while Vespa released its first scooter in Italy.

It makes perfect sense that Chiuri launched this collaboration. She reminisces: “For me, Vespa is linked to my city, Rome.” I have so many happy memories starring a Vespa. It’s how my husband and I used to get around Rome and go to the seaside in Fregene. It’s a symbol of Italian-ness that is intricately linked to my personal history, and it’s now part of my professional life at Dior.”

It has a special paint scheme designed in partnership with Dior Creative Department. Other features include a custom saddle and handles covered in blue leather. A line of accessories will accompany the release, including a matching helmet and a top case that can be affixed to the luggage rack. 

VESPA 946

The Vespa 946 was launched in 2013. It is an innovative product which takes inspiration from the Vespa prototype MP6 produced in 1946. More details from the campaign literature — and yes, note the sustainability cred.

A look at the 946 brings to mind the creativity and ingenuity that gave rise to the original Vespa. As the prototype which serves as inspiration the Vespa 946 seems to come directly from the best technology of its time. Details such as the handlebars that feature sewn trim with needle and thread, aluminium parts fitted manually, one by one in monocoque steel body, a dedicated production line, more like an haute couture atelier than a production line, make this Collection stand out. Vespa 946 is built by human skill, piece by piece, carefully crafted with glorification of manual labour as the most valuable Italian manufactured crafts. The pulsating heart of the Vespa 946 (a single cylinder 125 cc 4 stroke, 3 valve, air cooled engine with electronic injection) is an extremely modern engine which reveals the lines of development of engines of the future, characterized by reduced fuel consumption and a dramatic reduction of gaseous and noise emissions.