Celebrating Eight Decades of Dior
From Christian Dior’s groundbreaking New Look of 1947 to Maria Grazia Chiuri’s forward-thinking designs today, Dior has consistently epitomized beauty, refinement, and innovation. In a landmark collaboration, UBS House of Craft has partnered with the House of Dior to bring together creations from all seven of its creative directors in a single, unprecedented exhibition.
This showcase offers a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at couture craftsmanship—past and present—through the expert curation of fashion icon Carine Roitfeld and the lens of photographer Brigitte Niedermair.
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Curatorial Vision: Carine Roitfeld’s Personal Touch
Carine Roitfeld was granted exclusive access to Dior’s archives, where she immersed herself in eight decades of couture history. Drawing from this vast repository, Roitfeld personally selected a range of iconic looks: from Raf Simons’s adventurous spring 2015 couture minidress to a sleek, crocodile-skin jacket crafted by Yves Saint Laurent in fall 1960.
“It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun,” Roitfeld reflects. “Because we know the House so well, Brigitte and I were able to connect to everything we wanted.” Her selections reveal not only the evolution of Dior’s silhouette but also the enduring thread of elegance, audacity, and technical mastery that has defined the brand.
Through the Lens: Brigitte Niedermair’s Editorial Perspective
Once the archive pieces were chosen, Brigitte Niedermair—whose longstanding collaboration with Dior includes shoots for ELLE—brought them to life through her contemporary editorial lens. Each garment was captured in a way that both honors its historical context and reinterprets it for today’s fashion conversation.
“We learned so many things during this process,” says Roitfeld. “Even though we maintained a deep respect for the original designs, Brigitte and I insisted on having creative freedom. It was essential to capture each piece in a way that felt both authentic and fresh.”
Juxtaposing Past and Present
Throughout the exhibition, a curated selection of original garments stands side by side with Niedermair’s striking photographs. Visitors will encounter treasures such as John Galliano’s jeweled crown from his fall 2004 couture collection and the emblematic Bar ensemble from 1947 up close.
Seeing these rare couture pieces in person—paired with their modern interpretations—creates a dialogue between eras, reminding viewers of the House’s enduring influence and the value of meticulous craftsmanship.
A Tribute to Excellence
Olivier Bialobos, Dior’s Deputy Managing Director for Global Communication and Image, encapsulates the spirit of this collaboration:
“Above all, this alliance is a celebration of excellence, haute couture elegance, and the exceptional savoir-faire deployed by Dior since the triumph of the New Look in 1947. This artistic dialogue is a tribute to audacity and virtuoso artisanship, at the convergence of past, present, and future, in a perpetually shifting cultural landscape.”
This exhibition is not merely an homage to Dior’s storied past; it is a forward-looking celebration of couture as an evolving art form—one that continues to inspire, innovate, and captivate.
Exhibition Details
- Venue: UBS House of Craft
- Curator: Carine Roitfeld
- Photographer: Brigitte Niedermair
- Duration of Archive Coverage: 1947–Present
- Highlights:
- 1947 Bar Ensemble (Christian Dior)
- Fall 1960 Crocodile Jacket (Yves Saint Laurent)
- Spring 2015 Couture Minidress (Raf Simons)
- Crown from Fall 2004 Couture (John Galliano)
Experience how the magic of Dior’s craftsmanship—rooted in tradition yet always forward-thinking—is brought into the modern era through this unique collaboration between UBS House of Craft, Carine Roitfeld, and Brigitte Niedermair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UBS House of Craft Exhibition?
The UBS House of Craft Exhibition is a special showcase that highlights the intricate craftsmanship of Dior, featuring iconic pieces from all seven creative directors of the fashion house across eight decades.
Who curated the exhibition?
The exhibition was curated by renowned fashion stylist and editor Carine Roitfeld, who had personal access to Dior’s extensive archives.
Who photographed the collection?
Brigitte Niedermair, a longtime collaborator with Dior and acclaimed fashion photographer, captured the curated pieces through a modern editorial lens.
What makes this exhibition unique?
This is the first exhibition to bring together designs from every creative director in Dior’s history, pairing original archival garments with contemporary editorial photography to highlight the evolution and artistry of couture.
Which designers’ work is featured in the exhibition?
The exhibition includes creations by Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, Maria Grazia Chiuri, and others who have shaped the house’s legacy.
Are original garments on display?
Yes, select original garments such as the 1947 Bar ensemble and John Galliano’s 2004 couture crown are displayed alongside their photographic representations.
Conclusion
The UBS House of Craft exhibition is a remarkable tribute to Dior’s enduring legacy of innovation, artistry, and craftsmanship. By uniting iconic pieces from all seven of Dior’s creative directors and presenting them through a contemporary editorial perspective, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the evolution of haute couture.
More than a retrospective, it is a celebration of the brand’s timeless elegance and visionary spirit—reminding us that true craftsmanship transcends time, continually inspiring future generations of fashion. This collaboration between UBS, Carine Roitfeld, and Brigitte Niedermair beautifully bridges Dior’s storied past with its dynamic present, making it an unmissable experience for fashion enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.