Osaka Hosts the Newest House of Dior in Shinsaibasi

Image courtesy of Dior.

Dior opened the doors to its newest flagship, located in the Shinsaibasi district of Osaka, this month. Its not the first time the brand has had strong interrelations with Japan; Christian Dior himself was the first ever Western couturier to show his collections there in the early 1950s, while John Galliano indelibly drew upon the Giacomo Puccini opera Madame Butterfly for his Spring 2007 show. Now, the ties are stronger than ever.

Image courtesy of Dior.

Japanese architect Sou Fojimoto, responsible for projects such as House NA in Tokyo, 2011, and London's Serpentine Pavilion in 2013, designed the rippling frontage. The interior equally emanates the suspension of fabric and belief crafted by Christian Dior himself, designed by Peter Marino who himself is no stranger to the House - Marino devised the interior of Dior's flagship store in New York. Claude Lalanne’s Gingkobench and a touch of Franck Evennou and Juan and Paloma Garrido give a contemporary edge. All are connected by a helicoidal staircase, which twists around a stunning sculpture by structural artist Alice Aycock.

Image courtesy of Dior.

The first floor opens out onto women's accessories, including shoes, leather goods, and jewellery, complimented by fragrances from La Collection Privée. All are overlooked by an idyllic vertical garden. Jonathan Anderson's ready-to-wear collections are encapsulated on the second floor in both physical and environmental presence, while Menswear is housed on the third which exudes a somewhat more contemporary feel.

Image courtesy of Dior.

Azuma Makoto is responsible for the floral compositions that grace the space, and it wouldn't be Dior without them - designed to celebrate the art of flower arranging, Ikbana, the blossoms accentuate the silkiness of the scope and the founder's love for nature. Art, a passion shared by both Christian Dior himself and many of his predecessors, is ever-present, with pieces by Christian Bérard, Nir Hod, Miriam Ellner, Nicole Wittenberg, Vik Muniz, and Tim Hailand gracing the walls. A uniquely commissioned video installation from Jennifer Steinkamp also captures the motion of flowers.

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Perhaps the most invigorating part is the Monsieur Dior restaurant on the top floor. Again, Peter Marino lends his genius to create a breathtaking homage to the gardens, and an equally befitting menu dreamed up by the world's most Michelin-starred female chef Anna-Sophie Pic awaits. Each dish reprises iconic symbols of the Maison, including the cannage, the oval, and leopard print: La Toile Blanche, consisting of toile-like scallop and a saké rice cream concluded with citrus notes; L’Œuf Dior, Jonathan Anderson's debut show invitation brought to life from ceramic; and a houndstooth-patterned Le Millefeuille Blanc, promising jasmine and vanilla, all grace the menu, along with dishes Les Pétales, Le Pelote, and more. With her mastery, Pic marries up French haute cuisine and Japanese ingredients - the atmosphere is light as you're overlooked by La Colle Noir, the armchairs enfolded in floaty floral motifs, and the choice for wine is exceptional. If there's still room for more, take to the private room which hosts a piece by Jorge Galindo.

Image courtesy of Dior.

The enchantment will be available to step into from the 21st of May.

Image courtesy of Dior.