If you love fashion, Christian Dior’s exhibition at the Victoria & Albert museum in London is definitely worth visiting. It’s sold out but around 100 tickets are released each morning for the day, so if you arrive early enough ( I would suggest 9am) you may be able to get in.
Much has already been written about the life of the couturier and the history of the brand, and this wonderfully curated exhibition walk us through it, focusing on key themes related to his legacy.
It was really interesting to see not only dresses but also original sketches with fabrics attached to them, and beautiful paper samples. The whole creative process is captured and it includes illustrations by Gruau, a personal favourite.
I was definitely not the only one holding my phone, we always think about sharing the experience with others and it’s unlikely things will change in the future… Having said that, I did put my phone down to simply let myself be immersed in the highly stimulating surroundings.
There were definitely wow moments, the most exciting of all featuring exquisite Dior evening gowns displayed in an hi-tech room simulating the 24h cycle, with different lighting and music that would completely transform the atmosphere.
“Evening clothes are the most glamorous and fascinating things a woman can have, the evening is the time when you escape the realities of life.” Christian Dior
Amongst the subsequent interpretations of Dior, John Galliano was undoubtedly the most spectacular. His highly theatrical work would always tell a story around a particular character, an extravaganza of sumptuous style.
The nature of fashion itself is change so there’s no point in feeling nostalgic, and Maria Grazia Chiuri’s demure approach is definitely maintaining the popularity of the brand.
In a way, Dior’s heritage reflects fashion’s evolution, the most renowned luxury brands have emerged from the talent and determination of a single individual, whose work resonates far into the future, continuing to captivate others' imagination and stimulate creativity.
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