A fantastic exhibition of fashion and design processes from Christian Dior and other designers while they were working under the label is currently in Dallas. It was amazing and inspirational and my only two complaints was that there wasn’t more to see (I could have done at least two more rooms!) and that the lighting was so dim—although understandably so.
Above: When we walked into this room it nearly took my breath away. The design of the DISPLAY was completely unexpected. Wow.
Other designers featured were: John Galliano, Raf Simmons, Maria Graza Chiuri (who is the current head designer of the label), Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, and Gianfranco Ferré.
Above: Adam wonders how one would walk in this. I wonder too.
Above:
“From his studio which he called the ‘office of dreams’ Christian Dior drew hundreds of sketches, which were transformed into
toiles (mock-ups) in plain cotton muslin, and then shown to Dior and core team—Marguerite Carré, Raymond Zehnacker, and Mitzah Bricard—on perfectly proportioned models. Madma Carré, head of the
ateliers (workshops), would ask the designer, “Have I expressed you correctly?”
Once approved, the toile became a pattern for a prototype.
Below: “From hats to shoes to makeup and perfume, Chrisitan Dior offered women a “total look.” Dior wanted “a woman to leave the boutique dressed from head to toe, even carrying a present for her husband in her hand.” A selection of lipsticks provided matching lip color for every dress....The same spirit extended to Dior’s packaging and display.” (As well it should have.)
By the way, Dior’s signature colors were reds and pinks.
His label didn’t change much over the years.
Above is one of his sketches.
Below: I would totally wear this.
As a side note: Did you ever have a chance to see the movie
Dior and I on Netflix? In 2012 Raf Simmons was appointed creative director at Dior and had to create his first collection in only 8 weeks, the film follows the process. Worth a watch. I recognized one of the dresses on display at the DMA from the film! (Not shown in this post though.)
In all, I was pleased we didn’t let this one pass us by. Unfortunately I always forget how invigorating and helpful opportunities like this are for me as a creative person. As one designer put it, “As artists, we are always putting things out...that means we have to fill ourselves up too.” Or something like that. I really need to do better.
