Paris pays homage to Dior with a unique exhibition

© Photo Les Arts Décoratifs

In order to memorialize Christian Dior’s flourishing life, from July 5th 2017 to January 8th 2018 the Musée des Arts décoratifs de Paris will show the couturier’s extensive collection alongside work by his various successors such as Yves Saint Laurent, Gianfranco Ferre and John Galliano. This devoted exhibition is called “Christian Dior, Couturier du Rêve” – in English: Christian Dior: Couturier of dreams - and will convey Dior’s passion and chronological message for fashion and couture.

Drawing on his own ingenious talent, his fondness for museums and enthusiasm for art, Dior was the embodiment of high-class fashion. His gowns were not merely dresses; rather they were testimonies of his love for visual art, embellishments and ornamentations. At the exhibition, visitors will see long evening gowns with delicately sequined mystical fish scales pieces, which Dior designed in 1949 for the Milleu du siècle line. They will see classic 1950’s dresses in rosy pink with voluminous flower formations in silk, designed for the Almant line, also attesting to his remarkably agile hands to create geometric shapes and figures.

  
© Photo Les Arts Décoratifs / Nicholas Alan Cope

In addition the vintage pieces from Mr. Dior’s hands, the exhibition will showcase additional garments that were designed for Dior such as John Galliano’s fiercely embroidered burning orange empress kimono made in 1998. Gianfranco Ferré’s architecturally pleated Greek gown that was made in 1992 and utterly gleams with royalty and sophistication is another not to be missed in this exhibition.

The presentation will commemorate Dior by first introducing his life and showing his love for painting, sculpting, gardening, antiques, decorating and all the inventive arts. Due to the fact that many items were borrowed from New York, London and other Paris locations, rarely will our eyes see so many of his documents, illustrations, sketches and other memorabilia all in one house. His creations saved couture after World War II and today his contributions and legacy prevails by continuously revolutionizing and inspiring the fashion industry.