CHRISTIAN DIOR: DESIGNER OF DREAMS EXHIBITION AT THE V&A MUSEUM

“There is no other country in the world – besides my own - whose way of life I like so much,” Christian Dior wrote of Britain, according to the House of Dior's Instagram. Indeed, in 1947, the year he opened his couture house, Dior staged his first fashion show across the channel at London's Savoy Hotel. To further underscore the master couturier's deep love affair with Britain, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is home to “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams”, the largest and most extensive U.K tribute to the House of Dior with over 500 objects, 157 of which have never been seen in a museum before. Offering a moment of escapism, beauty and romance, the display includes over 200 haute couture pieces displayed alongside accessories, photography, film, perfume, makeup, illustrations and Dior's personal possessions. All of which reveal the designer's inventive, trail-blazing and unique eye. “It's quite a revolution, dear Christian. Your dresses have such a new look!” Thus, mused Carmel Snow, editor in chief of Harper's Bazaar, when Dior unveiled his first haute couture collection on Feb. 12,1947. Indeed, the ground-breaking designer is known for his New Lookand the Bar Suit with its sculpted jacket and full skirt epitomizing the hyper feminine silhouette. Also, in the spotlight is Dior's gown designed for Princess Margaret's 21stbirthday. A faithful client ahead of the times, the Royal chose an off-white gown with raffia and mother-of-pearl embroideries that was captured in an official portrait by Cecil Beaton. The halls of the V&A also offer a full picture of how Dior's six key successors – Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferrè, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri, have kept the legacy alive, each one bringing their own vision and sensibility. According to Dior, the striking, poetic and unforgettable retrospect, which runs until July 14, sends all visitors drifting out the door in a dreamy daze.