I can't even begin to describe, or share the wonder that was the Christian Dior Exhibit. It was by far the most spectacular and magical fashion exhibit I have ever seen and I am very happy that I was able to go. If you have the opportunity to be in Paris before January 7th, I highly recommend it.
We went during a holiday in France. Would I have changed my mind had I known? Probably not; this, after all, was the weekend I had. But the lines were long even though we had purchased tickets in advance, and the crowds were thick, especially during the early parts of the exhibit where there were drawings, pictures, accessories and a wonderful collection of miniatures of the gowns, many of which we would see later in the exhibit. Those rooms were packed and barely moving. I'm not particularly claustrophobic about small spaces, but the pressing crowds, the inability to move, and the fear of stepping on someone after I tripped over a couple of people who were crouching down to take photographs were not happy-making, and I progressed through those sections quickly, finding a nice open, quiet, corner, to watch the crowds (endlessly entertaining) and wait for Liana, who has far more patience, and who glided through the space like an island of calm in a sea of turmoil.
Luckily however many others have gone to the exhibit as well, and Susan has just posted a wonderful review of the exhibit, far more comprehensive than I am likely to write, with great photos, including much from these early rooms.
Mostly I just wanted to look at the clothes.
I admit to being shallow that way, but it is more than that. With infinite time, and quiet and space, I would love to pore over the details, but I don't have the patience for the crowds. So I'll simply share a few photos, a small hint really of what was there.
I loved this embroidered raffia dress, and especially the detail at the bottom, the areas without embroidery, which gives the dress a very modern feel, a nod to the truth that our work is both always unfinished, but also just a whisper away from decay.
Although work by the various designers for Dior was mixed with the originals to suit the various themes of the exhibit, there were also rooms dedicated to each designer who has worked for the house.
I have always been particularly fond of Gianfranco Ferré, both his work for his own house and when he was at Dior.
But each designer has brought their own stamp to the tradition.
But these segments were very congested, and often dark as well. My photographic successes are merely snippets here and there.
By the time we reached the magnificent final room, I was worn out and tired of the crowds. This final photo of the dream finale is Liana's.
