“It’s such a new look!” – a comment made by Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow in reference to French couturier Christian Dior’s 1947 debut collection, which has since been known as the New Look, is emblematic of an exciting moment in history that many believe marked the revival of the French fashion industry. The exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams first opened in 2017 at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of one of the most prestigious fashion houses and megabrands in the world. The success of this exhibition has since brought it to London and New York, and is now making a fourth appearance at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo starting December 21, 2022.
Curated by Florence Müller in collaboration with Japanese architect Shohei Shigematsu, Partner of OMA, the exhibition displays an extensive collection of accessories and haute couture pieces created by the founding designer and his successors Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri, in celebration of the spectacular heritage of the Maison Christian Dior. Visitors will get a chance to admire iconic pieces such as the Bar Suit and the Miss Dior and J’adore perfumes in intimate proximity, and explore innovative reinterpretations of classic pieces such as the Lady Dior bag in the Dior Lady Art and Lady Dior As Seen By projects.
Special attention is paid to the ties between the founding couturier and Japanese culture, as not only will pieces from Dior be displayed alongside works from the MOT’s collection and pictures taken by Japanese photographer Yuriko Takagi specifically for the exhibition, visitors will also get an unprecedented glimpse into private archives documenting this relationship of collaboration and mutual appreciation.
Special attention is paid to the ties between the founding couturier and Japanese culture, as not only will pieces from Dior be displayed alongside works from the MOT’s collection and pictures taken by Japanese photographer Yuriko Takagi specifically for the exhibition, visitors will also get an unprecedented glimpse into private archives documenting this relationship of collaboration and mutual appreciation.
The exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams is set to open on December 21 at Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.
