It never would have occurred to me that I could J’adore Dior.
It has been years since I have been on a daytrip anywhere – that kind of thing was nearly impossible from where we lived in Brazil! But I am back in Europe now, and a daytrip from Copenhagen, where I now live, to London is exactly the kind of thing I have missed so much while being away.
In preparation for the highly anticipated day ahead, I woke up an hour earlier than I needed to – I was nervous about missing the plane and, especially about missing the exhibit. I was lucky enough to have a friend, and fellow blogger, join me last minute – the perfect companion.
Early on in my friend’s career she was a fashion designer and seamstress; her resumé includes designing costumes for Tina Turner, as well as one-of-a-kind wedding dresses. So I was especially excited about her joining me for this exhibit.
I Didn’t See This Coming … J’Adore Dior
J’adore Dior, the Exhibit Begins
We were emerging from the period of war, of uniforms, of women-soldiers built like boxers. I drew women-flowers, soft shoulders, fine waists like liana and wide skirts like corolla.
Christian Dior
I own no Dior pieces, and knew very little about the history of Dior before showing up at the exhibit. I tend to shy away from French designers, as I unfairly judge them as being out of my league in terms of design and price, and way too chic for this modest Kansas City girl.
But it is exhibits like this that open my eyes to art that is fashion, and for this particular exhibit that Dior’s fashion was not only revolutionary for the time, but it is art. And it was after seeing this exhibit, that I could easily say, J’adore Dior!
A dress is a piece of ephemeral architecture, designed to enhance the proportions of the female body.
Christian Dior
Like many other exhibits before, I was lost in the process and detail as well as the sheer beauty of the completed garments. What I hadn’t expected was learning so much more about Christian Dior that I came to respect, love and draw inspiration from him.
Dior, Destined for Fashion
He had perseverance. Knowing that his family expected something different from him and having a love of fashion from a very young age, he managed to find a way to transition from his family’s aspirations to his own through the ownership of an art gallery. Clever!
It is unforgivable to do what one doesn’t love, especially if one succeeds.
Christian Dior
He believed in his designs. As a new designer, he was offered an opportunity to revive a dormant brand, but instead insisted on having his own. He knew he was ready, and he wanted to put his name on his work. Not only this, but he went against the grain with his first collection, and it gained him notoriety and success. Brilliant!
Flowers, Flowers Everywhere
After women, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world.
Christian Dior
Based on current-day designs from the house of Dior, I assumed he was like most other French designers who are making clothes for a petit and classically understated French woman.
But what I learned from this exhibit is that he actually started somewhere else, which intrigued and excited me. At the time he launched his first collection in 1947, his design was rooted in two revolutionary traits that I appreciate most in fashion today – botanical motifs and a curvaceous female silhouette.
The detail is as important as the essential is. When it is inadequate, it destroys the whole outfit.
Christian Dior
Brand Extensions That Worked
Make me a fragrance that smells like love.
Christian Dior
What I also learned is that he built his brand through strategic licensing deals, most widely known in the cosmetics industry with perfume and make-up. And since this is an industry that I have worked in for more than 20 years, I was fascinated to know that it was not licensing that killed his brand, but that it actually strengthened it, and saved it after his death. No way were his licensees letting the brand, and their profits, die with Christian.
High heels? Painful pleasure.
Christian Dior
I wanted to be considered a good craftsman. I wanted my dresses to be constructed like buildings, molded to the curves of the female form, stylizing its shape.
Christian Dior
To see how the Dior fashion house has evolved with each new head designer was both informative and fascinating. It is an eye-opening experience to observe the evolution of a brand through the work of each lead designer.
While each designer is putting forth their new interpretation of the brand, they truly are a continuation of the foundation Dior established. They are very obviously paying homage to his vision, which is both beautiful and inspiring.
After this exhibit, I now understand what truly defines Dior’s brand and am inspired … I might just have to expand my love of Dior beyond my Diorshow mascara. J’adore Dior!
Click here to visit the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibit overview and learn more.
Finally, everything that has been part of my life, whether I wanted it to or not, has expressed itself in my dresses.
Christian Dior
what do you think?