Art La Galerie DIOR

Photographer Quentin de Ladelune

When the house Christian Dior first opened, it had three workrooms under the eaves of 30 Avenue Montaigne, a tiny studio, a salon in which to show the dresses, a cabine or dressing room for the mannequins, an office and six small fitting rooms,” recounted Monsieur Dior in his memoirs.

For the couturier, it was love at first sight for this hôtel particulier that since has become a legend. Newly transformed and enhanced, this “refuge of the marvelous,” the beating heart of the House of Dior since its founding, has now been reinvented and is home to La Galerie Dior, a testament to the visionary audacity of Christian Dior and his six successors: Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri.

For more than 70 years, the collections of the house of Dior came to life within these walls, starting with the iconic New Look, a revolutionary event in the history of fashion. The silhouette, so named by Carmel Snow, editor-in-chief of the American magazine Harper’s Bazaar, after Dior’s debut fashion show on 12 February 1947, embodies the attitude of a woman who asserts her femininity.

Radiant, confident, and aware of her powers of seduction in this post-war period of reconstruction. A woman whose body in movement was enhanced by Christian Dior. Bearing witness, the emblematic 30 Avenue Montaigne was jam-packed with guests and friends of Monsieur Dior, from clients to some of the era’s most high-profile celebrities, who traveled from near and far to discover this kingdom dedicated to dreams.

Featuring a unique scenographic narrative, La Galerie Dior embodies the spirit of Parisian Haute Couture while perpetuating the memory of this historic address, by unveiling looks, original sketches and archival documents, as well as accessories and exceptional pieces, many of which are being exhibited for the first time.

Multiple sources of inspiration are showcased: from the splendor of gardens to the sumptuousness of balls, the beauty of the petites mains’ gestures, and artistic affinities, with each space evoking one of the many facets of the priceless heritage that the house of Dior has preciously preserved since its founding and continues to enrich.

An invitation to experience a new journey, the “Diorama” that welcomes visitors presents the essence of Dior style through more than a thousand creations, dating from 1947 to the present day.

La Galerie Dior reflects the singularity of this House, which, more than any other, is conscious of the richness of its past, a priceless source of inspiration for Dior’s Creative Directors as they seek to capture the spirit of their time and reveal, as Christian Dior put it, “women’s secret aspirations”.

Press release by DIOR team.

 

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