Haute History

A lavish exhibition in Paris celebrates the incredible contribution Christian Dior has made to the world of fashion over the past 70 years. Justine Lee takes a peek and goes star spotting at the opening party

hristian Dior is celebrating seven decades at the leading edge of high fashion with a landmark exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris. Entitled Christian Dior, Designer of Dreams, and curated by French fashion historians Florence Müller and Olivier Gabet, it includes more than 300 exquisite haute couture pieces as well as a range of the house’s iconic accessories, jewellery and perfume bottles. The show’s chronological and themed displays occupy 3,000 square metres and multiple rooms. One particularly show-stopping room is the Nave (centre picture), which is transformed into a romantic ballroom full of exquisite bespoke gowns that were worn by famous friends of the brand. Striking images from legendary photographers reveal the brand’s rich heritage and its partnerships with some of the world’s most talented creatives.

The show also highlights the fact Christian Dior was a keen patron of the arts, displaying a special selection of his personal furniture, paintings and objets d’art. His creative successors at the maison are also given due attention, with specially curated spaces featuring the sketches, letters and designs of Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferre, John Galliano, Raf Simons and the current artistic director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, illustrating the transformations they have applied to the brand.

The dazzling runway shows and social events of Paris Haute Couture Week always draw a huge flock of celebrities and fashion industry insiders to the City of Light, but arguably the most anticipated occasion this year was the opening of Christian Dior, Designer of Dreams. American supermodel Karlie Kloss, with a new platinum blonde do for the week, stood out at the glittering opening party at the Museum of Decorative Arts. Other notable blondes included Cara Delevingne, who sported an edgy shaved do, and Dior’s artistic director, Maria Grazia Chiuri. Dior campaign girls Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman and Bella Hadid were also spotted browsing around the exhibition and mingling with other guests over cocktails in the garden.