This year the V&A has welcomed another legendary fashion exhibition to its galleries. Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams showcases the designs of the world famous fashion house, from 1947 to the present day… documenting the stories and people behind the dramatic garments.
This exhibition is the largest ever UK presentation of Dior, the grand rooms of the V&A are filled with precious sketches, accessories and dresses, all giving an amazing insight into the genius of this couturier. The V&A team was led by fashion and textiles curator Oriole Cullen and set designer Nathalie Crinière, and together they reimagined the previous Dior exhibition, Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve, organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. This show, however, features many more rediscovered haute couture pieces, every single garment in the show is handmade.
It is quite startling to see so many couture dresses all in one place, 70 years worth of Dior lines every wall. Amongst the pieces are dresses worn by Princess Margaret on her 21st birthday and Jennifer Lawrence’s red carpet couture dress, and there are others you may recognise from magazine covers or iconic events. Princess Margaret was a fan and client of Christian Dior and it is clear he relished the opportunity to design for her. The style of Britain very much influenced and fascinated Christian Dior, he loved the British women’s fashion, their contradicting tweed outfits and ballgowns.
Later in the show, the other artistic directors of Dior are given a chance to shine, and it is amazing to see how Christian Dior’s thoughts and motifs are still so alive in the current day designs.
Through this show viewers are given a look into the world behind the dresses. We learn about Mr Dior himself and how his thoughts and processes defined, and still define, the brand Dior is today.
Designer of Dreams continues until Sunday 14 July, book tickets here.