Dior, the esteemed fashion house, is gearing up to unveil a captivating exhibition at the Musée Christian Dior in Granville, France, showcasing the profound influence of hats in its iconic style. Entitled “Dior Hats: The Art of the Hat from Christian Dior to Stephen Jones,” this extraordinary exhibition will run from May 14 to October 30, 2022, and will feature an impressive collection of nearly 200 hat models, complemented by haute couture gowns, archival documents, and captivating photographs.
The primary objective of this exhibition is to pay homage to the art of the hat and shed light on its crucial role within the realm of Dior. For more than seven decades, hats have been a quintessential element of Dior’s fashion identity. Far from being ordinary accessories, Christian Dior sought to elevate hats to a prominent position within the Dior style, as well as the wider realms of French haute couture and global fashion. This exhibition presents a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the history and significance of hats in the fashion house’s legacy.
The exhibition commences by delving into Christian Dior’s personal connection to hats, acknowledging his background as a former milliner and the influence of his mother’s adoration for feathered headpieces. By showcasing nearly 200 hats alongside approximately 20 haute couture dresses, fashion photographs, and beauty advertisements centered around the art of the hat, visitors gain a deep understanding of the symbiotic relationship between these elements.
Spanning an impressive timeline from 1947 to 2020, the exhibition also pays homage to the contributions of Dior’s successors. The modernist visions of Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, and Gianfranco Ferré are prominently featured, as well as the feminist perspective of Maria Grazia Chiuri and the exquisitely exotic hats crafted under the direction of John Galliano. These designers successfully incorporate Christian Dior’s cherished themes, such as gardens and masculine-feminine chic, while infusing their own innovative touch into the art of hat-making.
The final segment of the exhibition shifts the focus to Stephen Jones, the acclaimed milliner who has served as the creative director of Dior hats for an astounding 25 years. This section showcases an array of hat sketches, research documents, fashion magazine clippings, and tools sourced from Jones’ personal archives and the Dior Haute Mode workshop. Jones’ profound expertise and artistic vision have undeniably contributed to the enduring legacy of Dior hats.
To immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Dior hats, head to the Musée Christian Dior in Granville, France, where the exhibition titled “Chapeaux Dior, l’art du chapeau de Christian Dior à Stephen Jones” will come to life. This exquisite event promises to be an all-encompassing experience that celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship behind the iconic hats of Dior. Explore the evolution of the hat throughout the years and gain a profound understanding of its significance within the realm of fashion. Don’t miss the remarkable opportunity to witness this extraordinary exhibition, open from May 14 to October 30, 2022.
For more information on the exhibition and to plan your visit, please click here: https://musees-normandie.fr/musee/le-musee-christian-dior/
To discover the rich history and influential legacy of Dior hats, explore this article on the official Dior website: https://www.dior.com/en_us/musee/musee-christian-dior
