Timeless, trailblazing, elegant and influential, the designs of Christian Dior (1905-1957) are all of these. Dior exposition: A New Looks not only refers to the iconic, feminine New Look, but also to the present, where the founding-couturier’s ideas live on.
History Written In The Stars
Christian Dior grew up in a large house with pink walls and a beautiful flower garden on the Normandy coast in France. He had intended to become an architect but in the 1930s he opened an art gallery right in the heart of Paris. Christian Dior was forced to close the gallery during the years of economic crisis, and he decided to turn his attention to fashion.
After the second world war he got the opportunity to set up a whole new fashion house under his name. But he was superstitious, so he consulted a clairvoyant for advice. She predicted he would enjoy fame and great success in the fashion world. In 1947 Christian Dior changed fashion with his New Look.
Photo: Kunstmuseum.nl
A New Look
Maison Dior is one of the best known and most influential fashion houses in the world. In 2016 it appointed its first female creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri. The Italian feminist has given Dior A New Look of her own, while still respecting the DNA of the fashion house, as her male predecessors did. When she uses tarot cards, the zodiac and the stars as inspiration, she is referencing the founder himself, Christian Dior.
Photo: Kunstmuseum.nl
Story
Christian Dior grew up in a loving family and he cherished his memories of the flower garden which his mother planted at their home in Normandy. Dior’s favorite flower was the lily-of-the-valley, muguet in French, which signals the start of spring in France.
Christian Dior is also known as the designer of ‘dreams’. He designed fairytale evening gowns and cocktail dresses in soft powdery shades, as well as in black, with beautiful embroidery.
Christian Dior was not able to enjoy his success for long, however, as he died suddenly of a heart attack in 1957. His assistant, 21-year-old Yves Saint Laurent, succeeded Christian Dior as creative director.
Photo: Museum.nl
Exhibition
The exhibition is full of Dior designs collected from various locations around the world. From beautiful jewelry to the most spectacular garments, you will find it all there. The exhibition can be seen at Kunstmuseum Den Haag from 21 September 2024 - 26 January 2025.
Photo: Museum.nl
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