London's V&A Museum to stage 'reimagined' hit Dior expo

3 juillet 2018

London's V&A Museum to stage 'reimagined' hit Dior expo

Christian Dior with model Sylvie, circa 1948. Courtesy of Christian Dior.

LONDON - The V&A announced that it will be staging the largest and most comprehensive Dior exhibition in UK history. The show – which is entitled 'Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams' – is also the biggest fashion exhibition to be put on by the museum since the hugely popular 'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty'.

The museum today revealed that the exhibit will span from 1947 to present day – and will trace the history and impact of the founder and the six other artistic directors to have helmed the house.

'Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams' will be based on a previous major exhibition organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, entitled 'Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve'. It will be reimagined by the V&A and will include a brand-new section that will explore Christian Dior's fascination with British culture.

"Dior admired the grandeur of the great houses and gardens of Britain, as well as British-designed ocean liners, including the Queen Mary," the press release said. "He also had a preference for Savile Row suits. In 1947, he hosted his first UK fashion show at London’s Savoy Hotel, and in 1952 established Christian Dior London."

A highlight of the exhibition will no doubt be the Dior dress that Princess Margaret wore for her 21st birthday celebrations, which will be on loan from the Museum of London. The exhibition will also bring to life some of the house's most spectacular fashion shows which were staged in Britain, including the one in Blenheim Palace in 1954.

'Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams' will run from 2 February to 14 July 2019. Tickets will be available to buy from autumn 2018.

Sketch by Christian Dior for model Oxford, Spring-Summer 1947 Haute Couture collection. © Christian Dior.

Sketch by Christian Dior for model Londres, Autumn-Winter 1950 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

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 Lucky, circa 1955. Courtesy of Christian Dior.

Diorling perfume, 1963. Photo © Laziz Hamani

Princess Margaret (left), with the Duchess of Marlborough behind, presents Christian Dior with a scroll entitling him to Honorary Life Membership of the British Red Cross © Popperphoto, Getty Images.

Yves Saint Laurent in front of Christian Dior London, 11th November 1958. © Popperfoto, Getty Images

Guépard afternoon dress, Autumn-Winter 1959 Haute Couture collection, 1960 line. Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Gift of Mrs. Haynes and Mrs. Clark. Photo © Laziz Hamani