Dior, the esteemed fashion house renowned for its elegance and sophistication, has taken on a prominent role as a supporter of the internationally acclaimed Venice Biennale. This highly anticipated art exhibition, which was postponed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is set to commence this week. Not only will Dior be a key donor for the event, but they will also be hosting a special gala dinner on the opening day, April 23rd, at the prestigious Teatro La Fenice in Venice. The proceeds from this grand event will be directed towards aiding Ukrainian refugees who have sought shelter in Italy.
Curated by the talented Cecilia Alemani, a close friend of Pietro Beccari, the Chairman and CEO of Dior Couture, the 59th edition of the International Art Exhibition is titled “The Milk of Dreams.” Alemani’s vision for this edition takes viewers on an imaginative journey through the transformation of the human body and the myriad interpretations of humanity. With works from 213 artists representing 58 countries, the exhibition puts a special emphasis on featuring female and non-gender specific artists.
Beccari emphasized Dior’s enduring commitment to the art world, a passion deeply ingrained in the brand’s DNA since its inception. He expressed, “This passion, instilled by Monsieur Christian Dior and anchored in our DNA, encourages us more than ever to promote art and culture in all their forms. A desire that is reflected today through this donation, which also expresses the unwavering friendship between Dior and Italy.”
In addition to supporting Ukrainian refugees, the Dior dinner aims to contribute to the preservation of Venice’s rich cultural heritage by assisting in the restoration of the Ca’ d’Oro museum, an exquisite palazzo situated on the Grand Canal. This collaboration serves as a continuation of Dior’s longstanding partnership with Venetian Heritage, a non-profit organization based in Venice and New York. Peter Marino, the president and chairman of Venetian Heritage and the esteemed architect behind various Dior boutiques including the recently restored flagship on Avenue Montaigne in Paris, leads the organization.
A remarkable highlight of the event is the reinterpretation of Dior’s iconic Lady Dior bag by the venerable 82-year-old Venetian video artist, Fabrizio Plessi. Plessi lavishly adorned the bag with 24-karat gold leaf sourced from the renowned Orsoni Venezia 1888 furnace. This one-of-a-kind creation will be prominently showcased in Dior’s flagship store in Venice.
Dior’s involvement in the Venice Biennale extends beyond this year’s edition. In 2019, the fashion house organized a grand ball at Palazzo Labia’s Tiepolo Ball, and the historic party held in 1951 at the same venue, hosted by Carlos de Bestigui, was famously heralded as “The Party of the Century.”
The funds raised from Dior’s charity dinner will significantly contribute to the renovation of the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro museum, which is under the umbrella of the Italian Ministry of Culture. This noble project celebrates the beauty that can be found in various art forms.
Through its involvement in the Venice Biennale and its unwavering dedication to supporting art and culture, Dior exemplifies its commitment to fostering creativity and preserving heritage. Initiatives like these not only strengthen Dior’s connections with the art world but also serve as a testament to the brand’s profound passion for artistic expression and its enduring legacy of elegance and style.
Useful Links:
– Venice Biennale official website
– Dior official website
