The latest must-see exhibition to come to London is Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams which opened at London’s Victoria &Albert’s Sainsbury Gallery.
The exhibition, the largest and most comprehensive, to be staged in the UK on the House of Dior is based on the major exhibition Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve organized by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Divided into 11 areas, a new section explores the designer’s fascination with British Culture. The exhibition investigates Dior’s creative collaborations with British manufacturers including Dents (gloves), Rayne (shoes) Lyle & Scott (knitwear) and Mitchel Maer (costume jewellery).
Over 500 objects includes 200 rare Haute Couture garments shown alongside accessories, fashion photography, film, vintage perfume original make-up illustrations, magazines, and Dior’s personal possessions.
Dior was born into a wealthy Normandy family but when the family fortune collapsed he was forced to make a living, taking up fashion drawing. In 1946 he founded the House of Dior, and launched its first collection the following year. Dubbed the ‘New Look’ by the press, the collection had an instant and unparalleled influence on fashion around the world. His legacy has continued under six Creative Directors Yves St Laurent, John Galliano, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri their current, and first female creative director.
Swarovski, whose crystals shimmer in many of the designs, supports the exhibition. With the foundation of his house, Dior always envisioned a total look for his clients. People who never visited Paris can still buy his perfume, jewellery, gloves and stockings.
The exhibition runs until Sunday, 1 September 2019.
Tickets from £20. Concessions: £15.
The Sainsbury Gallery, Victoria & Albert Museum,
Exhibition Road, Kensington, London SW7 2RL.
Open daily 10.00 – 17.45 Friday to 22.00
T. 020 7942 2000
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