V&A to stage the largest ever Christian Dior exhibition in London
Christian Dior with model Lucky circa 1955 Courtesy of Christian Dior
In a rare chance to see some of history’s most beautiful fashion creations, the Christian Dior exhibition kicks off in early February 2019, offering a chance to see some of the fashion house’s most famous, and infamous, collection items.
Dior had a fondness for the UK, saying “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, and English architecture. I even love English cooking.”
Spanning 1947 to the present day, this exhibition will trace the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers, exploring the enduring influence of the fashion house, and Dior’s relationship with Britain.
Most of the curator’s talks are already sold out but you can still get there to see the frocks etc. And in the meantime, here’s a little sneak peek…
Soirée de décembre evening dress, Autumn-Winter 1954 Haute Couture collection, H line. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Gift of Dame Margot Fonteyn
Photo © Laziz Hamani
Écarlate afternoon dress, Autumn-Winter 1955 Haute Couture collection, Y line. Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Photo © Laziz Hamani
Christian Dior with model Sylvie, circa 1948
Courtesy of Christian Dior
Diorling perfume, 1963. Photo © Laziz Hamani, and Sketch by Christian Dior for model Oxford, Spring-Summer 1947 Haute Couture collection
© Christian Dior
Pérou short evening dress, Autumn-Winter 1954 Haute Couture collection, H line. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Gift of Cecil Beaton
Photo © Laziz Hamani
There will be something like 500 exhibits, including something like 200 breathtaking haute couture outfits; but also fashion photography, accessories, film clips, design illustrations and makeup, as well as some of Dior’s personal possessions.
Look out especially for a metal star that the (surprisingly superstitious) Christian Dior found on the streets of Paris. He found it the night before what turned out to be a very profitable meeting with an investor, and it was gifted by the house to the museum in 1960. It’s his lucky star – don’t miss it.
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams is at the V&A from 2 February – 14 July 2019
vam.ac.uk
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