In a dazzling celebration of haute couture, art, and cultural collaboration, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams has made its grand debut at the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh.
Open to the public until the 2nd of April 2025 as part of Riyadh Season 2024, this extraordinary exhibition honours over 75 years of Dior’s legacy, presenting a curated narrative that bridges the iconic maison’s storied past and innovative present.
This exclusive iteration of the exhibition, previously hailed for its success at Paris’s Musée des Arts Décoratifs, is curated by the illustrious Florence Müller and brought to life by scenographer Nathalie Crinière.
The exhibition masterfully traces the evolution of Christian Dior’s pioneering vision and the creative audacity of his successors, from the launch of the groundbreaking “New Look” in 1947 to the modern masterpieces crafted under the leadership of Dior’s artistic directors.
Visitors are first immersed in the enchanting world of 30 Avenue Montaigne, Dior’s Parisian flagship and the heart of its haute couture magic. The exhibition proceeds to spotlight Christian Dior’s dual passions for fashion and art. His early career as a gallerist is seamlessly interwoven with his visionary designs, creating a dialogue between art and couture.
Highlights include the poetic portraits by Yan Pei-Ming, layered over the silhouettes of Dior’s successors, and a vivid recreation of the youthful energy of the 1960s through Dior’s first ready-to-wear collection, Miss Dior. Adding to the splendour is the salle des toiles, which pays homage to the artisans whose unparalleled craftsmanship defines Dior’s sartorial excellence.
Themes central to Dior’s legacy – Versailles, grand balls, and the Maison’s signature accessories like the Lady Dior bag—are reimagined in immersive spaces. The exhibition also showcases the transformative Dior Lady Art project, where the timeless Lady Dior bag is reinvented through global artistic collaborations.
Reflecting the shared appreciation of nature between Dior and Saudi Arabia, the exhibition features a spellbinding tribute to the Al-’Ula oasis. Dresses in golden hues echo the sunlit beauty of this desert landscape, while the exhibition’s finale pays homage to Riyadh’s etymology—“gardens” in Arabic. This couture herbarium features stunning designs inspired by florals, offering a romantic flourish that ties Dior’s enduring infatuation with the natural world to the cultural essence of its Saudi hosts.
