Dior is preparing to unveil its highly-anticipated museum, La Galerie Dior. Spanning across an impressive 2,000 square meters, this unique museum will offer visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the rich history and DNA of the luxurious fashion brand.
Upon entering La Galerie Dior through 11bis rue Francois 1er, guests will be greeted by a grand white marble staircase, surrounded by a remarkable Diorama featuring 1,874 objects from the brand’s collection. Among these objects are 452 miniature dresses that represent the creations of the seven official couturiers of Dior, including iconic designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri. Spanning seven decades, these miniature dresses have been chosen to showcase the evolution of the brand since the groundbreaking New Look show in 1947.
What sets La Galerie Dior apart is the use of cutting-edge technology in the creation of the exhibited objects. Utilizing 3D printing techniques, over 100,000 hours of work have been poured into creating items such as Lady Di and Saddle bags, J’Adore scent bottles, bijoux, and Steven Jones’ famous berets.
The museum not only focuses on fashion and accessories but also pays homage to Christian Dior’s early career as a gallery owner. Through vintage black and white photographs, guests can observe Dior alongside his artist friends Salvador Dali, Christian Bérard, and Jean Cocteau. The exhibition has been meticulously curated by renowned Dior retrospective curator Nathalie Crinière, who has created a captivating and narrative scenography. It offers visitors a glimpse into the brand’s precious archives, including couture creations and fragrances. Additionally, the museum features videos that showcase the work of Dior’s couturiers in the atelier, which is still located on the upper floors of La Galerie.
Another fascinating aspect of La Galerie Dior is the display of movie reels featuring countless stars donning Dior in classic films, sometimes alongside the actual dresses. Magazine covers, perfume flacons, and other artifacts contribute to making La Galerie a true fashion mecca.
Galerie 1, one of the most inspiring sections of the museum, provides a captivating account of Monsieur Dior’s history through photographs and documents. Visitors will gain insight into Dior’s complex journey, from his birth in 1905 to his upbringing in a seaside villa. They will also learn about the sale of his family home during the challenging years of the Great Depression. Additionally, guests can explore Dior’s early career as an illustrator and his time in the military.
The museum expertly traces the path of Christian Dior as a couturier, showcasing his first creations for the house of Robert Piguet in 1939, as well as iconic pieces like the bar jacket from the revolutionary New Look collection in 1947. Photographs capturing the packed New Look show at 30 Avenue Montaigne will transport visitors back in time to the moment when Dior’s star power skyrocketed, reestablishing Paris as the fashion capital of the world. The museum concludes with newsreels documenting Dior’s sudden death in 1957 and the poignant tribute paid to him under the Arc de Triomphe.
Pietro Beccari, CEO of Dior, couldn’t contain his excitement for the museum, revealing that discussions about a Dior museum began in 2018. He praised curator Nathalie Crinière for her remarkable work in bringing La Galerie to life.
“La Galerie is a place where people can fully appreciate our archive and our heritage. It’s about blending tradition, adaptation, and modernity – so we know where we come from. Dior is now the only brand in our world which has this sort of space,” Beccari said.
To ensure a memorable and immersive experience for all, La Galerie Dior will be open six days a week, excluding Tuesdays, with a daily visitor limit of approximately 1,000 people.
[Link 1: Dior Official Website] [Link 2: Vogue Article: La Galerie Dior]
