
Fancy a little bit of fashionable daydreaming? Don’t miss this peek at the breathtaking Christian Dior Designer of Dreams exhibit!
One of the summer of 2019’s hottest tickets was the Christian Dior Designer of Dreams Exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. As a Contributing Member of the museum, I would have been able to see the exhibit before it opened to the public. However we were away at that time, and in the end, I only just managed to attend before the exhibit closed on 1st September. I’m so glad I made it! It was such a treat to attend this fantastic exhibition.
Christian Dior Designer of Dreams
Christian Dior was originally an artist, and did not work as a clothing designer until 1942, launching the House of Dior and his first collection in 1947. The designs were opulent, with cinched waists, full skirts and a really feminine shape. Christened “The New Look” by the editor of US Harper’s Bazaar, these designs made Dior’s career take off like a rocket, with royalty and film stars among his first customers.
I have such a soft spot for these original designs. They are so feminine and elegant. I would be absolutely thrilled to wear them today despite the fact they are over 70 years old.
Later, Dior would become one of the first designers to license his name to luxury goods. Shoes and accessories were made under license as entry level purchases to his brand. This meant that almost everyone could enjoy a little bit of the House of Dior, even if a couture dress was beyond their means.
A Career Cut Short
Sadly Dior passed away in 1957, at the very young age of 52. Since then the House of Dior has had many heads of design including Yves Saint Laurent (hand picked by Dior as his successor), Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferre, John Galliano, and most recently, Maria Grazia Chiuri. Although you can see differences in the designs over the years. the brand has retained a timeless appeal as it has evolved.
Christian Dior Designer of Dreams Exhibit
The Christian Dior Designer of Dreams exhibition was divided into 11 sections, one room of gorgeousness unfolding into another, with delights around every corner.
It was incredible to see the room of toiles, the prototypes or patterns for many of the designs, made up in plain white fabric.
You could see the toiles for some of the designs in the exhibition. It was fun picking them out!
Christian Dior Designer of Dreams also offered the opportunity to see historic dresses worn by women like Princess Margaret, as well as more modern designs worn by Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman and others.
It was a breathtaking array of dresses in the most magical, immersive atmosphere, room after room of gorgeousness. My son’s partner, Hannah, and I spent a thoroughly enjoyable time there. In fact, I enjoyed this Christian Dior exhibit more than any other fashion retrospective I had attended up until that time.
Christian Dior Designer of Dreams closed on 1 September 2019, but you can see more photographs and find out more on The V&A Website.
More Style Posts
How To Wear One Dress Many Different Ways
Comments & Reviews
I so wish I’d been able to visit this exhibition! I hadn’t even realised it was on until you mentioned it on Facebook and by that time we were away for the summer. I love the New Look and that it had a resurrection a couple of years ago!
I’m so glad Hannah and I managed to get there before it closed, Hilary. I had been meaning to go for months and never got round to it. It was very last minute, but it was great to have the opportunity. Like you, I love the New Look! I’m not sure there’s ever been a designer who flattered women’s curves as well as Christian Dior! 🙂
What a super cool exhibit. I would love to see it up close. Very nice. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thank you so much, Patrick!
April, what fun! Thanks for sharing this with us. I love Dior. Even as a little girl, I could spot a Dior!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Jean! 🙂
Great post, beautiful photos. I wish I could have seen this exhibit!
Thank you, Jeanne!
Amazing!!! Photo fabulous!!!
Thank you, Nancy!
Oh wow, these are truly remarkable <3
They truly are, Anna. The exhibit was amazing. 🙂