Jonathan Anderson Takes His Place Beside Dior’s Past Creative Directors in New La Galerie Dior Exhibition

Image courtesy of Dior.

Jonathan Anderson has taken his rightful place beside Dior’s past Creative Directors at the brand new reflective exhibition curated at La Galerie Dior, and it’s the first to retell the story of a House in its birthplace. The transient displays are designed to trace the origins of the brand, straight to the heart of Haute Couture.

Image courtesy of Dior.

From Christian Dior himself right up to Anderson in the present day, the presentation of almost 150 designs and their original sketches are shown alongside photographs and archival documents. Present are creations from Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, Maria Grazia Chiuri, and the brand’s current Creative Director - and Anderson’s contemporary take on the brand has never been shown to be more crucial as beside his predecessors.

Image courtesy of Dior.

The exhibition cascades across 13 stunning rooms, each highlighting different facets of the Maison including the Dior’s enchanting gardens. Enduring creations from the House take centre stage, including the little black dress, while the Diorling ready-to-wear line, launched in London in 1968 by Jorn Landberg, steals the spotlight as a staple of the youthful Swinging Sixties.

Image courtesy of Dior.

Revealed and revered is the craft of Haute Couture, which has been so aptly represented during Jonathan Anderson’s tenure thus far. The exhibition displays the decisive art of the industry, including picking toiles prior to fabric deliberation, the architecture of a silhouette and, of course, the incorporation of House embellishments: the bow, for example, which has become a mainstay for the brand from Christian Dior and beyond. Accessories are also imperative to the display, with hats, bags, and shoes on show. The Maison’s epochal perfume does not tread forgotten.

Image courtesy of Dior.

La Galeria Dior attracts over 400,000 visitors per year, and succeeds stunningly in preserving the core of the House and maintaining the life of the Maisons - it’s a delight to finally see Jonathan Anderson’s pieces exposed to the public eye alongside those who walked before him, and see the acknowledgement of his incredible work.

Image courtesy of Dior.

You can experience over 80 years of fashion history at La Galerie Dior at 11, rue François-I, Paris 8, every day except Tuesdays from 11am to 7pm. Last admission is at 5:30pm, and the museum is closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.