After witnessing the birth of the "New-Look" collection (1947) that revolutionized the history of fashion, Christian Dior's former mansion is now a spectacular museum. The Dior Gallery in Paris offers an immersive dive into the work of the famous couturier that will appeal to fashion lovers... but not only.
2,000 square meters divided into 13 conceptual spaces, a spectacular spiral staircase presenting 452 dresses and 1,422 accessories in a sort of rainbow of the luxury brand's emblematic creations: that's in a few figures what this exhibition space, part museum and part showroom, offers to visitors since March 9, 2022.
A beautiful way to pay tribute to this key reference of French haute couture in a historic address: 30 rue Montaigne (75008) where Christian Dior decided to establish his workshop in 1946.
From the original modest attic, the site now extends to almost 10,000 square meters, with a boutique, café and restaurant completing the museum that traces, over several decades, the empire developed by the designer and his successors (including Yves Saint Laurent).
It is in this building built in 1865 by Count Walewski (natural son of Napoleon I) that, after the unveiling of the revolutionary New-Look collection in 1947, all the stars parade: Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth ... then rush to this mecca of Parisian elegance to discover the innovative developments in women's fashion by the one who, before becoming a designer, imagined himself an architect.
Couturiers embody one of the last refuges of wonder.
They are in a way masters of dreams..."
Models, original sketches, accessories and exceptional pieces: the beating heart of the House of Dior for 76 years now brings together a rich collection presenting, for example, 70 dresses spread over 7 decades and archives (magazine covers, perfume bottles...), most of which are being exhibited for the first time. At the same time, the Dior Gallery allows visitors to delve into the legendary designer's sources of inspiration (gardens, balls, the beauty of manual and artistic skills...) and to trace his personal journey through photos and various documents.
But what will certainly impress the visitors are 2 key elements of this very aesthetic scenography :
In fact, it is while he was practicing this profession that Christian Dior acquired a work by Giacometti, which can also be seen on site, as well as his faithfully reconstructed office and elements from his fashion shows. In conclusion: whether you're a fashion fan or not, this place looks set to be a must-see in the future of Parisian culture. To know more about it.
Valérie from Comme des Français
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Photo credits: Galerie Dior©Kristen Pelou
