DIOR

Apparently, I’ve started a museum tour in Paris. In my last blog, Paris in Fall, we visited two small house museums in the Marais. In this blog, I’m taking you to a different kind of house: the Christian Dior House. 

In the legendary building located at the historic address, 30 Avenue Montaigne, Christian Dior opened his doors for business in 1946 with his first collection. 

The hotel (the French word for mansion) was built in 1865 by Count Walewski, the illegitimate son of Napoleon I.

This is still the building where the designs are made, the gowns are sewn, and the wealthy are fitted. However, now, it also houses a museum: La Galerie Dior. Recently opened in Spring 2022, this museum showcases a unique art form: Haute Couture. 

You enter the space in what looks like a dreamscape -a staircase displaying a rainbow of accessories and doll-sized gowns. You emerge into a room that starts at the beginning. The first room lays out Dior’s personal history, offering a backdrop and context to his genius. We learn about his influences, including nature, flowers, color, and art. Throughout the museum, curated displays help communicate this point. 

Here’s a little trivia I learned at the museum. Before Dior was a fashion designer, he was a gallery owner. His galleries exhibited artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and Man Ray. And Salvador Dali was a close personal friend of his. 

Each room offers a different theme and mood. Some are dark and dramatic, while others are flooded with light. One room twinkles, and the sky changes colors -set to music, no less. But what ties the collection together are Dior’s timeless architectural designs. In every room, frocks from different eras are displayed alongside one another. The designs are so classic that it’s impossible to guess the year or decade they were created. 

One room was dedicated to gowns worn by celebrities. Like this revenge dress worn by Princess Diana

I also enjoyed seeing Dior’s office recreated in its original location overlooking the center garden. His desk was surrounded by sketches, fabric swatches, and his ashtray.

But my absolute favorite room was the atelier room. This room offers a glimpse behind the scenes. Here, you can begin to appreciate the detail and work that goes into a Christian Dior gown. 

The walls are lined with white toile “rough drafts” made perfect before they start cutting the expensive material.

Two couture ateliers were demonstrating their work and answering questions -in French. 

I didn’t know what they were saying, but watching them stitch the tiny beads by hand was fascinating. I wondered what dress they were making and who would someday wear it?

With a 75-year history, deciding which designs to display must have been extremely difficult. But my personal favorite… 

This dress is a piece of art, and it embodies Christian Dior. Since his passing in 1957, several designers have run the House of Dior, including Yves Saint Laurent and John Galliano. Each successor has brought their own style and aesthetic. Still, the Dior brand has remained consistently sculptural and tasteful -with a dash of whimsy. 

Take, for example, this dress currently in the window of the store.  

The dresses displayed on the mannequins were stunning. However, I couldn’t help but wish I could see them come to life, draped over a female figure with gorgeous posture, moving with confidence and attitude.

But in the meantime, (le sigh) I highly recommend a visit to La Galerie Dior the next time you find yourself in Paris.

(reserved, timed tickets, 12 euro)