‘Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams’ exhibition opens at the V&A
‘For one thing, I love being in a country where the past lies so vividly around me’ explains Christian Dior in his autobiography, of his affection for England. It was a sentiment born from his first trip to the country in 1926, to hone his language skills before beginning military service. It’s wholly fitting, then, that the history of the couturier himself, and the nip-waisted heritage of the house of Dior, is the subject of a comprehensive exhibition at the V&A in London.
The largest show ever staged in the United Kingdom dedicated to the Parisian maison, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams is a reimagined take on the seminal Musée des Arts Décoratifs exhibition staged in Paris in 2017. It places particular focus on Monsieur Dior’s affection for Britain. Not only did the couturier favour Savile Row designed suits, ‘the days of Gainsborough’ and British gardens, he was a famous fashion favourite of Princess Margaret.
Dior established his maison in London in 1952, and staged a fashion show at the historic Blenheim Palace (at the behest of the Duchess of Marlborough to raise money for the Red Cross) in 1954. His youthful successor Yves Saint Laurent also held shows there in 1957 and 1958.
‘Dior in Britain’ is one section of what is an eleven-part exhibition, curated by Oriole Cullen, and designed by Nathalie Crinière. Others include ‘The Ateliers’ – a breathtaking monochromatic representation of the maison’s historic toiles, displayed inside floor-to-ceiling vitrines, and ‘Designers for Dior’ a history-spanning celebration of the key artistic directors since Christian Dior’s death in 1957.
Across a series of resplendent rooms, in the V&A’s recently opened Amanda Levete-designed galleries, vitrines, dioramas and resplendently-clad mannequins convey the history of the house, most renowned for its groundbreaking reinterpretation of the female form, when M. Dior introduced 1947’s Bar Jacket and its waist-accentuating ‘New Look’.
M. Dior was passionate about horticulture, an affection that began during childhood, when he admired the gardens surrounding his seaside home of Granville. The couturier had a particular passion for roses, and even helped erect a clifftop rose garden in his family’s grounds. We gravitated towards ‘The Garden’ section of the exhibition, which explores the importance of flora to Dior. This space features an impressive laser-cut and hand-assembled paper installation, created by Wanda Barcelona, featuring a new flower based on the Princess Margaret rose. Here, in an exclusive film you can see the installation bloom into life.
‘Each of my subsequent visits to Great Britain has given me the same sensation of happiness and personal liberty, which I experienced in the first visit’ M. Dior revealed in his memoir. This exhibition is sure to reveal similar sensations.
V&A “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams’ installation view. Photography: Adrien Dirand
INFORMATION
‘Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams’ is on view from 2 February until 14 July 2019. For more information, visist the V&A website; Dior website
ADDRESS
Cromwell Road
London
SW7 2RL
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Molly Goddard on creating a community of contemporary brides
As new Molly Goddard bridal wear is released, the designer talks about creating romantic but real wedding dresses, while three recent brides tell the stories behind their own Goddard gowns
By Jack Moss Published
-
Palazzo Roma embodies the heritage of Roman noblesse
Palazzo Roma, part of the Shedir Collection, boasts eclectic and eccentric interiors by Giampiero Panepinto
By Luke Abrahams Published
-
Boise Passive House’s bold gestures support an environmentally friendly design
Boise Passive House by Haas Architecture combines sleek, contemporary design and environmental efficiency
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
A/W 2024 beauty moments from the runways, as selected by Wallpaper*
We recap stand-out A/W 2024 beauty moments from the runways, including JW Anderson, Chanel, Hermès, and more
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
How Biba’s make-up and cosmetics line started a beauty revolution
Ahead of a new Biba retrospective opening at London’s Fashion & Textile Museum, Hannah Tindle speaks to Barbara Hulanicki about its pioneering make-up and cosmetics line
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
Alaïa unites fashion and art in its redesigned London flagship
Conceived by creative director Pieter Mulier, Alaïa’s reopened New Bond Street flagship is an intimate space which doubles as an art gallery showcasing works from Sarah Lucas, Sterling Ruby, Marc Newson and more
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Kim Jones’ Dior Men accessories channel the rebellious spirit of the Buffalo Collective
Agitator and establishment meet in Kim Jones’ S/S 2024 Dior Men accessories, inspired at once by the house’s history of haute couture and Ray Petri’s 1980s Buffalo Collective
By Jack Moss Published
-
Dior Spa at Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a Parisian haven for the sleep-deprived
On World Sleep Day, head to the Dior Spa at Hôtel Plaza Athénée to experience its Light Suite, the first of its kind in Paris
By Melina Keays Published
-
Extraordinary runway sets from the A/W 2024 shows
12 scene-stealing runway sets and show spaces from A/W 2024 fashion month, featuring Murano-glass cacti, rubber armchairs, flashing orbs and more
By Jack Moss Published
-
Documentary ‘High & Low’ charts the rise, fall and redemption of John Galliano
‘High & Low: John Galliano’ (released today) dissects the designer’s showstopping contributions to fashion against the backdrop of his turbulent life. Here, director Kevin Macdonald tells Wallpaper* more
By Joe Bobowicz Published
-
’The New Look’ costume designer on recreating Christian Dior’s seminal silhouettes
‘The New Look’ on Apple TV+ traces the creation of Christian Dior’s defining silhouettes against the backdrop of the Second World War. Costume designer Karen Muller Serreau tells Wallpaper* how she recreated the era
By Zoe Whitfield Published