The Dior exhibit at the Denver Art Museum is one not to miss. photos by Gracey Jarecke
The Denver Art Museum exhibits “Dior: From Paris to the World.”
Revolutionary. After discovering the Dior fashion house, from its birth to its present, no word could better describe Christian Dior (Fashion houses were actual homes where clothing was created and they later evolved into big fashion brands such as Chanel, Gucci, and Prada). Dior pioneered an entirely new look in the year 1947, and became successful practically overnight. He reinvented the woman and brought back the classic femininity that had faded over the course of World War II. He drew inspiration from his unique surroundings, from artwork to his own garden. Dior’s six successors had big shoes to fill, attempting to weave together Dior’s core principals, as well as adding their own individuality. When Christian Dior began his fashion house, he had no idea it would end up where it is today. Now, Dior is one of the most renowned names in fashion. His story is now circling the globe and gracing museums around the world. Denver is lucky enough to be the first stop on the U.S. tour of “Dior: From Paris to the World.”
Walking through this exhibit is like walking through time. Before entering, one is surrounded by a facade of Dior’s workplace. Images of mannequins and fabrics make one feel as if they are inside the home of 1950’s Parisian couture. Moving into the first room, the outfits on display are entirely black, highlighting the flattering silhouettes of the gowns. Dior’s goal was to create pieces that accentuated a woman’s curves and didn’t conceal them which was a stark contrast to most clothing made during the war.
The following room focuses on Dior himself, including his background, friends, inspirations, likes, and dislikes. Learning about Dior makes it evident as to why he designed the way he did. He owned art museums and favored impressionist and modern artworks, notably Monet, Picasso, and Dior’s own friend, Salvador Dalí. Dior also delighted in gardening. Both of his passions were frequently reflected in his craft. Dior didn’t establish his house until age 40. It became globally recognized quickly after its commencement, but Dior was only able to experience a decade of his flourishing empire. He died suddenly at age 50 of a heart attack, and left his legacy to his 21 year old assistant, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL).
The reign of YSL over Dior was short-lasting at only three years. Dior’s consumers didn’t appreciate the youthful and rebellious designs of Saint Laurent, causing him to leave briefly after his start. Each artistic director following YSL has their own section in the exhibit, in addition to their own twist on Dior’s work. The current (and first female) artistic director of Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri, wraps up the exhibit. The time and effort that goes into establishing and continuing an enterprise such as Dior’s is extraordinary.
Importance of detail is demonstrated in the next room, titled “Office of Dreams,” which is what Dior called his workplace. This room features white muslin mock-ups of the gowns to-be. The entire gown had to be created in this cheap fabric, before anything else, to ensure that the measurements, proportions, and patterns were all correct.
Directly next to the “Office of Dreams” is Dior in real life, or as it’s labeled at the exhibit, “Ladies in Dior.” Screens flash photos of different celebrities and royals wearing Dior on the red carpet, in photo shoots, in movies, and more. Rihanna wore Dior on the Cannes red carpet, and Jennifer Lawrence fell up the stairs in Dior at the Oscars.
Next is “The Total Look.” Dior was peculiar among designers of his time in that he wanted women to be able to wear Dior from head to toe. He didn’t just produce clothing, but extended his craft to accessories, including hats, purses, belts, shoes, and many more accoutrements.
Later in the exhibit is a room that seems straight out of the 18th century, apparently a common influence between Dior and the creative directors succeeding him. Bold dresses with wide hips, tiny waists, and excessive ornamentation occupy the space. Following “The Splendors of the Eighteenth Century” is “Fields of Flowers,” which showcases Dior and his heirs’ green thumb and love for nature in addition to their inspiration from distinguished impressionist art. Positioned next to a Monet, the dresses all appear to belong in an impressionist painting, with floral patterns, beading, and silhouettes that depict the fragility of the feminine figure.
The process of creating an iconic fashion house, particularly one that has lasted over seven decades and will thrive for many more, is incredible. Those interested should be sure to visit the Denver Art Museum exhibit. Experience the story of “Dior: From Paris to the World” before it closes on March 17th.
