Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams (Touring)

Following its success at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams will open at the Long Museum West Bund in Shanghai from July 28th to October 4th, 2020, with a new scenographic narrative, curated by Oriole Cullen, the show crowns more than seventy years of virtuoso passion.

Visitors will be able to discover many exceptional pieces including more than 275 haute couture dresses, illustrations by René Gruau and Christian Bérard, and works and installations by renowned Chinese artists.

Upon entering, the magic of 30 Avenue Montaigne – replicated in an immersive setting – enchants, encouraging the public to explore no fewer than fourteen thematic universes dedicated to Dior emblems such as the Bar jacket, a manifesto for the New Look, as well as a love for world cultures. Starting with China, a country with which the House’s friendship dates back to its founding, in 1947. The exhibition continues with flamboyant pieces by John  Galliano  and  Maria  Grazia  Chiuri,  in  dialogue  with  a  striking  selection of photographs, including images by Willy Maywald, William Klein, Henry Clarke, Annie Leibovitz, Sarah Moon, Steven Meisel, Feng Hai and Leslie Zhang that reinterpret the infinite richness of the House’s heritage, as well as photographs specially realized for this exhibition by the young artist Gangao Lang.

A captivating Colorama in chromatic shades composes irresistible showcases revealing miniature silhouettes, ranging from blue to yellow, and red to pink. The House’s many sources of inspiration – from the splendor  of gardens to the sumptuousness of Versailles and fancy dress balls – are also on display, as are images of celebrities and princesses in Dior. An odyssey from yesterday to today, offering a prodigious journey through the world and dreams of Dior.

Touring

Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris – 05 July 2017  – 07 January 2018

V&A, London – 02 February 2018 – 01 September 2018

Long Museum (West Bund), Shanghai, 28 July 2020－04 October 2020

Image courtesy of Long Museum (West Bund), Shanghai.