As part of the Women @ Dior program, I had the opportunity to attend the Dior “Designer of Dreams” exhibition at the V&A on 25 February 2019. Excited would be an understatement, and “over the moon” just doesn’t hit the nail on the head. This sell-out exhibition proved a massive hit with the British fashion scene, so much so that the V&A extended its length of the museum.
When we arrived, we were treated to a delicious canapés breakfast, meeting others who were also on this prestigious program. We then received a guided tour of the exhibition, learning about the designers behind Dior, the stories behind some of the most iconic dresses, and truly immersing ourselves in Haute Couture.
DIOR IN ENGLAND
Held at the V&A, 2 February 2019 to 1 September 2019. The exhibition also travelled across the pond to New York, 10 September 2021 to 20 February 2022.
The Designer of Dreams exhibition was inspired by Paris’ “Couturier du Rêve”, but with a British twist.
In his memoirs, Dior famously professed,
“I love English traditions, English politeness, English architecture”.
Christian Dior’s first fashion show in the UK was held at the Savoy in 1947 and in 1953 he held his iconic fashion show at Blenheim Palace, with proceeds going towards the British Red Cross. Of course, as I have detailed in my Lady Dior post (which you can find here), the house of Dior’s strong bond with England is also highlighted by the House’s decision to rechristen and rename the Chouchou after Lady Diana, becoming the Lady Dior.
Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A and fellow Trinity Alum, stated
“In 1947, Christian Dior changed the face of fashion, creating a lasting legacy that continues to inspire today”
Did you know?
The Dior Exhibition was the V&A’s “most visited” exhibition in the museum’s history!
A WHIMSICAL JOURNEY
The Designer of Dreams exhibition takes you on a whimsical journey through time, from Christian Dior’s iconic New Look and Princess Margaret’s 21st birthday dress, and explores the art of the House’s designers including Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri. Whilst the ‘Dior’ thread runs throughout each of the Creative Designers’ pieces, each also had their signature style, thus creating their own iconic pieces which were era-defining. With over 200 Haute Couture prices and culminating in the grand Ballroom, this exhibition truly was a mesmerising and monumental event in every fashion lover’s diaries.
THE BALLROOM
The mesmerising ballroom was by far my favourite part of the exhibition – a magical fairyland, you will feel like a Disney Princess stepping into an atelier, ready to pick your next ballgown. The breathtaking light installation added a further awe-inspiring touch, transporting you back in time to discover the many evening dresses designed by Dior Creative Designers across the years.
ICONIC DRESSES
Princess Margaret’s 21st Birthday Dress
This was on loan from the Museum of London
Elle Fanning’s Cannes Dress
Elle’s floral gown, designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, epitomises elegance- contrasting, delicate red and yellow petals adorn the bottom 3/4 of the gown, complementing the grey and blue petals which are scattered throughout the dress
VIRTUAL TOUR
For those who would love to relive the exhibition, or who could not attend, you can view a virtual tour below.
Which exhibitions are next on your bucket list? Let me know! Lots of love, Jo xoxo
