If the Dolce & Gabbana exhibition in Milan is my favorite fashion exhibition, the Dior Museum in Paris is undoubtedly my favorite fashion museum. La Galerie Dior, nestled at the iconic 30 Avenue Montaigne in the chic golden triangle of Paris. This address, now transformed into the first museum dedicated to the Parisian fashion house, is a treasure trove of haute couture magic.
As soon as we bought our tickets, the enchantment began. One glance up at the grand spiral staircase, and I was already under Dior’s spell. Around the staircase, miniatures of Dior’s legendary dresses, shoes, handbags, and hats seemed to float in midair, arranged in a stunning rainbow of colors that felt like a burst of artistic genius. Climbing the magnificent staircase, I was surrounded by 1,500 tiny Dior objects, all arranged in perfect harmony of colors.
Opened in the spring of 2022, La Galerie Dior takes me on a mesmerizing journey through the history of the iconic fashion house, beginning with the early days of Christian Dior himself. From childhood photographs to his first sketches and personal letters, the museum unfolds how this visionary left an indelible mark on French fashion. The very first display is none other than Dior’s legendary Bar Jacket from 1947—the signature piece that defined Dior’s style and continues to do so today. Dior’s quote on the wall reads, “Women have instinctively understood that I dream of making them not only more beautiful, but also happier,” capturing his deep-rooted passion for cultivating femininity.
The adventure continues through 13 rooms, each highlighting Dior’s most iconic creations, from the groundbreaking “New Look” silhouette to the tulip-shaped dresses that transformed the fashion landscape. You’ll also encounter the revolutionary works of Dior’s six successors—Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri—each adding their unique touch to the house’s legacy.
With over 1,000 creations on display, many of which have never been seen by the public, the exhibit feels like stepping into a treasure chest. The museum also dives into Dior’s most recognized symbols, like the Lady Dior bag, the famous caning pattern, stars, and lily of the valley motifs, revealing how different designers over the decades have reinterpreted these timeless codes.
The first room is enchanting, with a forest theme straight out of a fairy tale—dimly lit to preserve the fabrics but with an aura that feels cool and mysterious. In this room, the dresses practically glow in the soft light, casting an ethereal spell. As I descended the staircase, I caught a glimpse of the next room through a mirror, the lighting making the garments shimmer beautifully.
Next, I was welcomed into a recreation of Christian Dior’s office, a cozy but inspiring space that gave me a peek into his creative mind.
The most fascinating thing about this layout is how the recreation of his studio is only visually accessible through a glassdoor under our feet. This allows us to see everything in the room from the upper look.
Moving on, I entered a all-white room where retired couturiers—who spent their entire careers at Dior—demonstrated the delicate craftsmanship that goes into each gown. They spoke only French, but watching their nimble fingers at work was more than enough to appreciate the artistry.
The museum doesn’t stop at nostalgia; it refreshes its permanent collection twice a year, ensuring each visit is unique. The rotating exhibits showcase a range of art, contemporary pieces, and of course, Dior garments, shoes, and accessories, often centered around a theme like feminism in fashion.
My personal favorite was a room filled with mannequins displayed on different levels, the whole scene brought to life by a cloud-filled backdrop projected on the walls. The way the light illuminated each piece made the garments seem like they were floating.
The final room housed Dior’s most recent collections—accessories, shoes, and miniature dresses, with a screen showing clips from films where actors and actresses wore Dior. It was a perfect end to the experience, before heading to the gift shop, where I grabbed a postcard featuring the iconic Bar Jacket as a souvenir.
To top it off, there’s a chic little café, Le Café Dior, next door, serving up pastries and drinks to savor after the fashion-filled journey. As I leave the museum, with a beautiful postcard from the boutique, I can’t help but carry a piece of Dior’s legacy with me. The entire experience is not just about seeing fashion but feeling it, being inspired by it, and understanding how a single vision can transform an industry and touch the lives of millions. It’s more than a museum—it’s a journey into a world where style and artistry meet, and where dreams truly are stitched into every seam.
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