Designer of Dreams on Display
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
February marks a magnificent accomplishment in the world of fashion as crowds begin to flock to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, England for one of the greatest fashion exhibitions of all time and the very first of its kind. Christian Dior:Designer of Dreams opens this month to recreate an era when glamour first ruled. The stage was set for French designer, Christian Dior, to open his doors at his very own fashion house in 1946, never realizing how much he would impact the face of fashion at such a young and vulnerable age.
Buy your ticket to the exhibition and enter a world comprised of lavish designs and artifacts worn by some of the most trend-setting names ever uttered in history. Dior was one of ‘the’ masters of shapes and silhouettes. Even though he only lived to be 52, he will be forever remembered for his creative expertise. His designs stretch far and wide across the globe to this day, worn by celebrities, royalty and dignitaries. The exhibition tells a very important story. It begins with the innovative skills of Christian Dior, founder of the House of Dior. Walk into his world of style and finesse and then follow that very closely to witness the work of his successors who kept the name “Dior” alive and influential. The exhibition proves how Raf Simons, John Galliano and the other artistic directors have all remained loyal to Dior’s original vision of haute couture while adding their unique touches fueled by imagination.
See over 200 rare haute couture looks that shaped the well-known career of the beloved designer. This quite certainly is the largest presentation ever staged in the UK. Visitors can look forward to getting a close glimpse into the life of Christian Dior, not only through some of his finest pieces of clothing, but, also through raw fashion photography, film, vintage perfume, illustrations, magazines and even some of his most personal possessions.
On display are the various inspirations for his many collections throughout the decades such as the beauty of different cultures, the innocence of flowers and gardens and one of Dior’s greatest inspirations, his deep-rooted love for England and all that it stood for. Go back in time as the exhibition shows its viewers the popularity of the ‘Bar Suit’, bustier-styled bodices, ballroom couture where petticoats gave rise to full gowns filled with flare and pieces that accentuated the curves of every woman’s body.
Walk from showcase to showcase to experience the real depth and breadth of each era of fashion influence. ‘Diorama’ examines how the fashion house branched out with accessories such as costume jewelry, hats, shoes and bags as well as perfumes packaged uniquely, made for women of sophistication. Move on to ‘Ballroom’ which celebrates the fantasy of the ball, evoking lavish interiors of the great houses of England and displaying over 70 years of the most breathtaking evening wear.
Some of the highlights distinct to the fashion brand include the 1947 Miss Dior Limited Edition Baccarat Blue Crystal Parfum, one of the original sketches by Dior himself which shaped the creation of the Spring-Summer 1947 Haute Couture Collection, John Galliano’s creation of the Autumn/Winter 2004 embroidered silk dress with Swarovski crystals and a photo of Princess Margaret presenting Christian Dior with a scroll awarding him Honorary Life Membership to the British Red Cross.
This is surely the opportunity to visit a museum rich with stylish memories portraying the brilliance of one of the most respected fashion houses of a lifetime, and those that continued to carry the name of Dior into the fashion history books. Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams is supported by Swarovski, a lifelong collaborator with Dior. The exhibition is curated by Victoria & Albert Museum’s own Oriole Cullen and will run from February 2nd through July 14, 2019.
Photos courtesy of Victoria & Albert Museum
