“Whatever you do – for work or pleasure – do it with passion! Live with passion…” – Christian Dior
If I’m brutally honest, for me, Paris has lost its gloss…there were moments while roaming the streets, it felt like I was back in Johannesburg (South Africa). However being in Paris, you are somehow mesmerised and in awe of its rich history and culture, you tend to overlook some of its flaws.
What keeps the City of Light relevant is that its monumental – with its iconic structures, museums, its dedication to the arts, the cafe culture, french cuisine and it’s the capital of Haute Couture and Fashion. Paris is known as the fashion capital of the World and you see this by how people (locals and tourists) are dressed and carry themselves, with some choosing style over comfort.
Naturally, it made sense for us to visit La Galerie Dior, a gallery dedicated to the life of Christian Dior and his six successors – Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Whether you consider yourself a fashionista or have an appreciation for fashion, La Galerie Dior offers a unique display of history and heritage.
As you enter the gallery, the staircase is the main feature of the building with its colourful miniatures iconic looks to come out of the fashion house, all recreated using 3D-printing.
The gallery begins with an exploration through Christian Dior’s life within the designer fashion industry. The exhibition has 13 rooms, each tell a unique story and explores a variety of Dior’s inspirations, creations, collaborations, and desires.
Each exhibition space is spellbinding and elegantly displays scores of Dior gowns and accessories. You actually need to visit the museum to fully appreciate how the gallery tour is well curated.
The gallery also has a restored Christian Dior’s historic study, an atelier and fitting rooms seen below a glass floor.
“Creation is an ensemble of thousand and one things, its a thousand and one skills gathered around the couturier”
– Christian Dior
“Its hard to imagine the kind of care that goes into researching a new perfume, the creation of a flacon. Today I feel as much a perfumer as a couturier.”
– Christian Dior
“My dream is to dress a ‘Christian Dior’ woman from head to toe” – Christian Dior
The gallery tour ends in Café Dior, where visitors are invited to enjoy a choice of cakes, sandwiches and drinks. A great way to end the tour.
La Galerie Dior is located in the brand’s historic mansion at 11, rue François-Ier, Paris 8e, adjacent to the Dior flagship store located at 30 rue de la Montaigne. Do book your ticket in advance to avoid the longer queue of non-ticket holders.
The experience at the gallery was indeed splendid and thanks to my sister for adding this activity on our itinerary. Yes we are that extra and have an itinerary on our family holidays. This is to allow for time at leisure for everyone to do their own thing:-)
Stay Splendid!
SPLENDID EXPERIENCES 