Poster for "Dior, the New Look Revolution" exhibit
French couture house Christian Dior’s museum is celebrating the place its eponymous founder’s New Look has in fashion history with a dedicated exhibit.
“Dior, the New Look Revolution,” opening June 6, centers on Mr. Dior’s first couture runway show in 1947, which caused him to go from a virtual unknown to a famous designer overnight. The 80 garments on display, in addition to telling the story of the house, tell how Mr. Dior pushed fashion from the masculine silhouettes of the 1940s into a time of elegance and femininity in the 1950s, making this exhibit relevant to a wider audience than just brand aficionados.
Looking back
The couture pieces on display range from Mr. Dior’s designs to runway looks from current creative director Raf Simons.
One of the most referenced pieces from this collection is the architectural Bar suit. The creative directors who have come after Mr. Dior have paid homage to the suit in their own way, making it modern for the clients of their times.
Dior couture by Raf Simons
An accompanying 30 images, 50 manuscripts and sketches, along with Miss Dior perfume bottles and mini replicas of the Bar suit complete the story.
The exhibit will run through Nov. 1.
Musee Christian Dior
Dior has previously highlighted its most legendary pieces from its archive with a traveling exhibit.
“Le Petit Théâtre Dior,” which recreates couture garments in miniature form, opened at its first stop, the label’s Chengdu, China flagship store, on last May. Using tiny versions of garments will likely appeal to consumer sentiment, as well as adding a novelty to the display (see story).