Travelers visiting Paris from now until January 2018 will not want to miss the Musée des Arts Décoratifs’ exhibition of the famed Christian Dior.
The retrospective exhibition, named “Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve,” honors 70 years of the house of Dior and explores the world of the fashion icon and the depth of his influence in the world of haute couture – in both his native France and across the globe. Aside from Dior’s, the works of those who succeeded him and those who were influenced by him are also on display. This includes Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and most recently, Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Curated by Florence Müller and Olivier Gabet, the 3,000-square-meter exhibition is laid out chronologically and displays over 300 haute couture gowns designed between 1947 and present day. All of the gowns have a “unifying thread of emotions, life stories, affinities, inspirations, creations and legacies,” the museum said in a press release.
Among other notable displays are atelier toiles and fashion photographs, including hundreds of illustrations, sketches, documentary photographs, letters, notes and advertising documents. There is also an array of fashion accessories, including hats, jewelry, bags, shoes and perfume bottles.
Aside from being a distinguished fashion designer, Dior, who passed away in 1957, is also known for being a knowledgeable art lover who “adored museums,” according to the release. To accentuate this love of art, Dior’s designs are displayed in the midst of select paintings, furniture and other objets d’art. These pieces “highlight and develop Dior’s outlook by exploring the ties he forged between couture and all forms of art,” the museum said – in effect, illuminating the house of Dior’s original influence.
Among the displays are several themes, including the Dior Gardens, Artistic Affinities, Trianon, the Dior Ball, Around the World In Dior, Stars in Dior and 30 Avenue Montaigne.
In Paris, Dior’s work was last put on display in 1987, also at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. This exhibit only focused on the ten years of his designs, from his start in 1947 until his death ten years later.
Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve opened on July 5, 2017, and runs through January 7, 2018.
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