A new iteration of the “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibition unveils 75 years of haute couture at the Saudi National Museum
Take a dash of tradition, a wave of innovation, and a generous helping of ambition—welcome to Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, an ambitious plan aimed at diversifying the country’s economy and fostering cultural development. At the heart of this transformation is fashion, identified as a key pillar of the nation’s creative, cultural, and economic growth. Central to this vision are events such as Riyadh Fashion Week (RFW), which seeks to cultivate a globally connected industry that resonates both locally and internationally, as well as the highly anticipated “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibition, which will run until April 2, 2025.
The "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams" exhibition at the Saudi National Museum celebrates 75 years of Dior’s haute couture legacy and its visionary creators. Photographer: Cedric Ghossoub, Photo Courtesy of Dior
The “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibition is a key highlight of Riyadh Season 2024—an annual festival that transforms the Saudi capital, offering a diverse range of experiences across music, sports, art, and cuisine.
Hosted at the Saudi National Museum, the exhibition offers an immersive journey through 75 years of Dior’s haute couture heritage, celebrating the founder’s vision and the contributions of his successors.
Curated by Florence Müller and designed by scenographer Nathalie Crinière, this retrospective follows successful exhibitions in Paris, London, Tokyo, and Brooklyn. However, this Middle Eastern chapter has been specifically tailored for its Saudi audience, unveiling several elements that had never been seen before.
A glimpse of the "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams" exhibition. Photographer: Cedric Ghossoub, Photo Courtesy of Dior
As Müller explained, while each global stop of the exhibition around the globe tells a distinct part of the brand’s story, Riyadh sets itself apart by featuring pieces that are not shown anywhere else. The LVMH-owned fashion house has acquired remarkable items at auctions, enriching this iteration of the exhibition and allowing new narratives to emerge, she told WWD. A focal point of the display is the Desert Beauty room, which reinterprets Christian Dior’s designs from the 1950s through a Middle Eastern perspective. The dresses, in warm shades of orange, red, and yellow, evoke the changing light of the desert set against the dramatic backdrop of the Al-’Ula cliffs.
Exhibition designer Nathalie Crinière has made full use of the museum’s expansive spaces, creating immersive environments that bring the Arabian landscape indoors. The result is a compelling blend of historical insight into the house’s legacy and sensory experiences that capture the essence of Saudi Arabia’s environment.
30 Avenue Montaigne: Where it All Began
The exhibition begins at the heart of the Maison: 30 Avenue Montaigne, Dior’s legendary Paris headquarters. Through a series of immersive displays, visitors are transported into the bustling energy of Dior’s atelier, the “beehive” where his dreams first took shape.
The exhibition opens at the heart of the Maison: 30 Avenue Montaigne, Dior’s legendary Paris headquarters. Photographer: Cedric Ghossoub, Photo Courtesy of Dior
It Has Always Been a Matter of Art (and Artistry)
From this point, the journey ahead offers a deeper exploration of Dior’s connection to the world of art through The Christian Dior Art Gallery. Before he became a couturier, Dior was a gallerist and art collector, a friend and supporter of some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. This artistic legacy is seamlessly woven into his designs, as well as those of the designers who followed in his footsteps, from Monsieur Dior’s successor, Yves Saint Laurent, to the current womenswear creative director at Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri.
On the back wall, a portrait of Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s creative director for womenswear since 2016. Photographer: Cedric Ghossoub, Photo Courtesy of Dior
Both Saint Laurent and Chiuri, alongside Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, and Raf Simons, are portrayed in a series of artworks by the painter Yan Pei-Ming.
Between 1958 and 1960, Yves Saint Laurent designed six collections for Dior. Photographer: Cedric Ghossoub, Photo Courtesy of Dior
Miss Dior, Lady Dior, and Other Iconic Accessories
A central theme of the “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibition is the revolution of prêt-à-porter and the vibrant atmosphere of 1960s Paris, when Dior launched its first ready-to-wear line, Miss Dior. The exhibition is set against a playful, pop-inspired backdrop that captures the enduring spirit of this dynamic era.
In 1967, Dior introduced its first ever ready-to-wear line, named Miss Dior. Photographer: Cedric Ghossoub, Photo Courtesy of Dior
Another highlight is the Colorama, a kaleidoscopic display that celebrates Dior’s iconic accessories, including perfumes, make-up, Stephen Jones hats, and legendary bags, all arranged as if in a cabinet de curiosités.
Colorama, a kaleidoscopic display celebrating Dior’s renowned accessories. Photographer: Cedric Ghossoub, Photo Courtesy of Dior
The exhibition places special emphasis on the Miss Dior fragrance and also celebrates the Lady Dior bag through works created as part of the Dior Lady Art project.
Where Dior’s Legacy Meets Riyadh and the Arabian Landscape
The exhibition sparks a captivating dialogue with its Saudi context. A standout moment is the Desert Beauty installation, inspired by the landscapes of the Al-’Ulā oasis, an ancient treasure of the Medina province. Here, Dior’s creations merge seamlessly with the rich hues of the desert.
The exhibition also presents the Desert Beauty installation, inspired by the landscapes of the Al-’Ulā oasis, an ancient treasure of the Medina province. Photographer: Cedric Ghossoub, Photo Courtesy of Dior
This tribute to Saudi Arabia culminates in a celebration of Riyadh at the end of the exhibition. The city’s name, which means “gardens” in Arabic, is beautifully reflected in a garden-themed space. This allows visitors to discover Dior’s passion for the beauty of nature, which is expressed through prints and embroidery and has been passed down to all of the couturier’s successors.
Between Glamour Balls and Global Icons
As the “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibition unfolds, visitors are immersed in the grandeur of Dior’s magnificent balls, featuring stunning evening gowns and multimedia installations that capture the magic of glittering soirées.
A dedicated section honours Dior’s beloved fragrance, J’adore, with a series of gold-embroidered dresses that tell the story of the fragrance’s ambassadors, from Charlize Theron to Rihanna. This emphasis on scents is not new; the curation subtly reflects the region’s deep appreciation for fragrance.
Part of the “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibition is dedicated to the grandeur of Dior’s magnificent balls, featuring stunning evening gowns and multimedia installations that capture the magic of glittering soirées. Photographer: Cedric Ghossoub, Photo Courtesy of Dior
The journey continues with a tribute to Dior’s fascination with the splendour of Versailles, ultimately culminating in an ode to the house’s enduring influence on celebrity culture. From 1947 to the present day, stars like Marilyn Monroe and contemporary muses such as Natalie Portman have consistently chosen Dior to dazzle on the red carpet.
Lucrezia Spina
Editor