CHRISTIAN DIOR - DESIGNER OF DREAMS
Spanning 1947 to the present day, Christian Dior : Designer of Dreams traces the history and impact of the couturier and the artistic directors, all six, including Yves Saint Laurent, john Galliano, RAF Simons and most recently Maria Grazia Chiuri who have followed him at his eponymous brand. The exhibition which opened on 2 February, at the V&A in London, is the biggest designer exhibition hosted since Alexander Mcqueen’s - Savage Beauty.
It follows an exhibition of the same name that was held at the Musée des Arts
Décoratifs in Paris last year, which I was fortunate to see as well. Think incredible couture moments, regal portraits and a deep dive into one of the most recognisable fashion houses, with the addition of a section documenting the designer’s fascination with British royalty and cultural figures.
One of the most talked about highlights of the V&A exhibition includes a gown created for Princess
Margaret’s 21st birthday celebrations in 1951. The oneshoulder off-white tulle gown, decorated with asymmetric gold embroidery, was immortalised in Margaret’s iconic official birthday portrait taken by Cecil Beaton. Dior in Britain, as the section is called, is one of 11 categories that are displayed in the museums, in the Sainsbury wing. This is the first time that a fashion exhibit has been staged in the space.
Other parts of the exhibition trace the fashion house’s inception under its
founder, with the invention of the games ‘Bar Suit’ - a post WW2 revelation that was part of the ‘New Look’ aesthetic. “In 1947, Christian
Dior changed the face of fashion with his New Look, which redefined the female silhouette and reinvigorates the post- war Parisian fashion industry" - Per Cullen
Another section showcases how catwalk shows took place in the 50’s and 60’s when
Dior presented his collections at London’s prestigious Savoy hotel.
The inspiration he found on his extensive travels and the creation of the New Look in the 50s, the show also looks at the direction and enduring influence the fashion house retained after Dior’s departure.
The V&A has scouted its own archives and researchers have spent countless hours tracking down some of the rarest pieces from Dior for this exquisite exhibition which plays host to over 200 couture garments, personal belongings, accessories, photographs and the most incredible sketches.