The V&A Museum To Open Christian Dior Exhibit in the U.K.

ART

THE V&A MUSEUM WILL OPEN THE LARGEST–EVER DIOR EXHIBIT IN THE U.K.

WORDS

by CHRISTIAN ALLAIRE

PHOTOS

COURTESY of V&A MUSEUM

London’s Victoria and Albert Museum is set to open the largest-ever Christian Dior exhibit in the United Kingdom. Titled “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams,” the new exhibit is set to open in February 2019, and will include a comprehensive look at the house of Dior’s rich history. The showcase will include works from Dior’s archives, spanning from 1947 to present day. One can expect pieces from the master himself, as well as the six creative directors who have followed him, such as Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s current artistic director.

Christian Dior and model Lucky, 1955 for the V&A Exhibit

Christian Dior and model Sylvie, 1948

Christian Dior and model Lucky, 1955

Over 500 objects will be included in the show, ranging from couture dresses to rare pieces of photography, film, accessories, and more. It will also explore Dior’s particular fascination with British culture, showing his designs that have been worn by British royalty such as Princess Margaret and Queen Mary. “There is no other country in the world, besides my own, whose way of life I like so much,” Dior is quoted saying. “I love English traditions, English politeness, English architecture. I even love English cooking.”

This exhibit is not the first time the house of Dior has been explored. It is based on “Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve,” which was originally organized by the Musée des Arts. This time around, it will be the V&A museum’s biggest fashion showcase since 2015, when it hosted the largely successful “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” exhibit.

www.vam.ac.uk

Christian Dior V&A Exhibit Petal Gown Spring/Summer 2017 Haute Couture

Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 1954 Haute Couture

Christian Dior V&A Exhibit Gold Dress Autumn/Winter 1954 Haute Couture

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2017 Haute Couture

Christian Dior V&A Exhibit Black Strapless Gown Autumn/Winter 1954 Haute Couture

Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 1959 Haute Couture

Christian Dior V&A Grey Overcoat Autumn/Winter 1959 Haute Couture

Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 1954 Haute Couture

“There is no other country in the world, besides my own, whose way of life I like so much. I love English traditions, English politeness, English architecture. I even love English cooking.”

— Christian Dior —

Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 1955 Haute Couture