Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition features nine pieces from the private collection of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Pic: Abdul Basit
Fashion enthusiasts in Doha were offered with a rare opportunity to experience history of famous French fashion house and its seventy years of haute couture through Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams.
For the first time in the Middle East, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition at M7 Creative Hub, features around 150 haute couture dresses, including nine pieces from the private collection of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
Following international success Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams has arrived in Doha and the retrospective exhibition is curated by Olivier Gabet, director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums in a press statement, said: “The exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams has captivated audiences around the globe with its stunning design and breathtaking fashion creations. Qatar Museums is pleased to present a special presentation of the exhibition in Doha, in collaboration with Dior and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Qatar Museums gives special thanks to Place Vendôme for their generous support as the presenting sponsor of the exhibition.”
“Christian Dior was a true visionary,” said H E Sheikha Al Mayassa.
“So it is especially meaningful to us that Designer of Dreams is the first major exhibition to open at Qatar Museums’ M7, a creative hub that supports Qatar’s burgeoning fashion and design industries. This inspiring space provides a platform for local talent and supports aspiring and established creative entrepreneurs in Qatar to realise their ambitions,” she added.
Resembling a majestic entrance, a décor evoking the legendary 30 Avenue Montaigne welcomes visitors, followed by a selection of silhouettes designed by each of Christian Dior’s successors – Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Also featured is the Bar suit, a manifesto of the New Look, designed by Christian Dior for his first collection in 1947.
“Any exhibition is a challenge; here it is quite an achievement,” said exhibition curater Olivier Gabet, adding that the exhibition is specially conceived for Qatar.
Spread over two levels, the exhibition brings to life Dior’s many sources of inspiration—from the splendour of flowers and other natural forms to classical and contemporary art.
It also includes a vast array of photographs, archival videos, sketches, vintage perfume elements and accessories and hand bags.
Miniatures displayed in the elevator are one of centre attractions of the exhibition.
“This is the first time in the Middle East and we are very happy to present it to our local, regional and international audiences,” said Reem Al Thani, Acting Deputy CEO of Exhibitions and Marketing at Qatar Museums.
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams is sponsored by Place Vendôme with additional support from Qatar Airways.
The exhibition is part of the ongoing cultural legacy established as part of the Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture, an initiative celebrating the longstanding ties between both nations.
Christian Dior, Designer of Dreams will be on view at M7 until March 30, 2022.
