V&A announces largest ever Christian Dior exhibition in the UK #designerofdreams “There is no other country in the world, besides my own, whose way of life I like so much. I love English Traditions, English politeness, English Architecture. I even love English cooking, “said Christian Dior
In February 2019, the V&A will open the largest and most comprehensive exhibition ever staged in the UK on the House of Dior– the museum’s biggest fashion exhibition since Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty in 2015.
Spanning 1947 to the present day, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams will trace the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers, and the six artistic directors who have succeeded him, to explore the enduring influence of the fashion house.
This exhibition will investigate Dior’s creative collaborations with influential British manufacturers, and his most notable British clients, from author Nancy Mitford to ballet dancer Margot Fonteyn. A highlight will be the Christian Dior dress worn by Princess Margaret f0r her 21st birthday celebrations, generously on loan from the Museum of London.
Based on the major exhibition Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve, organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, the exhibition will be reimagined for the V&A. A brand – new section will, for the first time, explore the designer’s fascination with British culture. Dior admired the grandeur of the great houses and gardens of Britain, as well as British- designed ocean liners, including the Queen Mary. He also preferred Savile Row suits. In 1947, he hosted his first UK fashion show at London’s Savoy Hotel, and in1952 established Christian Dior London.
