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Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams
"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." Christian Dior
Spanning 1947 to the present day, this exhibition traces the history and impact of one of the 20th century's most influential couturiers, exploring the enduring influence of the fashion house, and Dior's relationship with Britain.
This exhibition is now closed at V&A South Kensington
Supported by
Swarovski is delighted to partner with the V&A in the landmark staging of Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams. Swarovski and Dior have a long history of collaboration. We are proud to help celebrate one of the world’s greatest design talents, his life and legacy, and the creative directors who have followed him at the house of Dior. Founded in the Austrian Alps more than 120 years ago by Daniel Swarovski, our company has a history that is closely intertwined with that of Parisian fashion and the early couturiers. As the leading provider of crystals to haute couture designers, Swarovski was Christian Dior’s choice to embellish his creations. In 1956, Manfred Swarovski worked with Monsieur Dior to create a unique crystal with a rainbow effect called Aurora Borealis. Since then the partnership has grown ever stronger, with successive creative directors at Dior using Swarovski crystals to realise their visions. We look forward to many more glittering collaborations in the future.
Exhibition highlights
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Sketch by Christian Dior for model Oxford, Spring-Summer 1947 Haute Couture collection. © Christian Dior -
Christian Dior with model Lucky, circa 1955. Courtesy of Christian Dior -
Christian Dior with model Sylvie, circa 1948. Courtesy of Christian Dior -
Sketch by Christian Dior for model Londres, Autumn-Winter 1950 Haute Couture collection. © Christian Dior -
Diorling perfume, 1963. Photo © Laziz Hamani -
Écarlate afternoon dress, Autumn – Winter 1955 Haute Couture collection, Y line. Photo: © Laziz Hamani -
Guépard afternoon dress, Autumn-Winter 1959 Haute Couture collection, 1960 line. Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Gift of Mrs. Haynes and Mrs. Clark. Photo © Laziz Hamani -
Pérou short evening dress, Autumn-Winter 1954 Haute Couture collection, H line. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Gift of Cecil Beaton. Photo © Laziz Hamani -
Princess Margaret (left), with the Duchess of Marlborough behind, presents Christian Dior with a scroll entitling him to Honorary Life Membership of the British Red Cross. © Popperphoto, Getty Images -
Soirée de décembre evening dress, Autumn-Winter 1954 Haute Couture collection, H line. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Gift of Dame Margot Fonteyn. Photo © Laziz Hamani -
Yves Saint Laurent in front of Christian Dior London, 11th November 1958. © Popperfoto, Getty Images -
Christian Dior (1905–57), Bar Suit, Christian Dior Haute Couture, Spring/Summer 1947, Corolle Line. Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Miss Dior limited edition, Baccarat blue crystal, 1947. Antoine Kralik for Christian Dior Parfums -
Christian Dior (1905-57), Fête joyeuse, Evening Dress, Haute Couture, Spring/Summer 1955, A Line. Victoria and Albert Museum -
Christian Dior by John Galliano (b.1960), Haute Couture, Autumn/Winter 2004. Dior Héritage collection, Paris -
Christian Dior by Raf Simons (b.1968), Coat, Haute Couture, Autumn/Winter 2012. Dior Héritage collection, Paris -
Christian Dior by John Galliano (b.1960), J’adore, Dress, Haute Couture, 2008 (custom-made). Christian Dior Parfums collection, Paris -
Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri (b. 1964), Éventail de vos hasards, Dress, Haute Couture, Spring/Summer 2018. Dior Héritage collection, Paris
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Features
Inside the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition
Take a look inside the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition
Dior in Britain
A confirmed Anglophile, Christian Dior associated his many visits to Britain with "a sensation of happiness and great personal freedom"
Modelling for a legend – Svetlana Lloyd on Dior
Listen to 1950s Dior mannequin Svetlana Lloyd discussing working for the house
Stephen Jones and Dior
Milliner, Stephen Jones, discusses working alongside Dior to create exquisite hats and headpieces to complement their designs
Fashion unpicked: The 'Bar' suit by Christian Dior
Watch dressmaking expert and V&A volunteer, Sue Clark, as she examines Christian Dior's 'Bar' suit
Meet Jean Dawnay, Dior's English rose
Jean Dawnay's daughter, Katya Galitzine, discusses her Mother's modelling career during Dior's golden age
A musical Dior brooch
Much loved by its owner, what music does this beautiful brooch by Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior play?
Children's activity book and trail
Complete the activities, find the objects and answer the quiz questions to learn more about Dior during your visit to the exhibition.
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Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams
With further support from
