The ‘chambre aux merveilles’ features various Lady Art handbags. Photo: Adrien Dirand
Twice a year since opening in the spring of last year, Paris’s La Galerie Dior, housed in the historic building of Dior, has presented exhibitions encapsulating the rich history of the House, with archival materials, rotating garments, and always a new way to see the creations and impact of the maison. The current exhibition, up until May 13, 2024, does not disappoint and au contraire, widens the lens and looks at the House through the eyes of the women artists who have collaborated in one way or another with Dior.
The stunning results shift the visitor’s gaze to women artists looking at the House of Dior. The entire show echoes the thread of when fashion garments become the artistic subject. Collaborating over time, place, and location, the House of Dior features work by artists as diverse and varied as Judy Chicago, Katerina Jebb, Yuriko Takagi, and Niki de Saint Phalle.
A photograph by Yuriko Takagi alongside Dior designs. Photo: Adrien Dirand
As explained by Olivier Flaviano, director of La Galerie Dior, “The focus is on women artists. Mr. Dior himself was inspired by women, his mother, his models, the women around him…from here we invited women artists to create and be inspired by Dior.” It all starts with the now infamous white t-shirt, shown by Maria Grazia Chiuri in her Spring 2017 collection, emblazoned with the words WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS. This is celebrated by a work by Brigitte Niedermair.
The majority of the rooms feature pieces from the Dior Heritage Collection, but also include commissions with the British artist Katherine Jebb and Japanese artist Yuriko Takagi. Walking through the tightly curated rooms is surprising, unexpected and in a few, emotional. To witness the close collaboration between then-creative director Marc Bohan and artist Niki de Saint Phalle is surprising and full of joyful conversations. The small room tells the story of Bohan collecting Niki de Saint Phalle, dressing the artist, and current creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri looking back on both.
The room of “toiles” is emotionally charged and includes pieces by Mexican artist Elina Chauvet. Photo: Adrien Dirand
The room of “toiles,” prototypes, all in white, is emotionally charged with the inclusion of pieces by Mexican artist Elina Chauvet, known for her creations denouncing violence against women. The artist was invited by Chiuri to create a performance with some toiles which were shown earlier this year in Mexico. The installation is beautiful, emotionally charged and demands a moment of reflection. The artist herself lost a sister to domestic violence, making her artistic message all the stronger and powerful.
Go for fashion, and stay for the art.
Works by Katerina Jebb alongside creations by the creative directors of Dior through the years. Photo: Adrien Dirand
This exhibition is a celebration of women artists and the House of Dior. La Galerie Dior, 30 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France. Open daily except Tuesdays 11-7pm.
Cover: La Galerie Dior in Paris has opened a new show spotlighting women artists.
Photo: Adrien Dirand
