I was very excited when the Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition was announced at the V&A. The styles are exactly my kind of thing: I’m a vintage lover, and for me Dior epitomises the ‘vintage look’ of nipped-in waist and full skirt. This is one of the most popular exhibitions in the V&A’s history, and most tickets sold out way in advance.
Dior became famous with the ‘New Look’ of 1947, when the privations and rationing of the war years made the full skirts and luxurious fabrics of this style seem particularly exciting. The exhibition begins with a single suit on display, epitomising this look with its nipped-in waist and generous skirt.
The House of Dior began in 1946, set up by Christian Dior, born in Normandy in 1905, up until then a fashion illustrator. It has continued up until the present day, with a number of designers helming the company since Dior’s death (one of whom was Yves Saint Laurent). One room of the exhibition was devoted to these designers, including Marc Bohan and John Galliano, although for me nothing compares to the classic Dior designs.
The exhibition is beautifully laid out, with different rooms devoted to different themes: I particularly liked the floral room.
The exhibition runs until 2 September and has a high recommendation from me.
