A new exhibition at La Galerie Dior, Paris celebrates the collaborations between the couture house with women artists …
Christian Dior’s passion for art was well documented. As a teenager he sold sketches to make pocket money and when he left school, he opened an art gallery, where he sold work by artists including Pablo Picasso.
Later as a couturier Mr Dior drew inspiration from his friendship with artists, while his designs were influenced not just by paintings but also architecture, music, literature and flowers.
These creative connections are being celebrated in a new exhibition at La Galerie Dior, Avenue Montaigne, Paris, where contemporary female artists who have influenced current creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri will also be profiled.
Works by Lillian Bassman, Judy Chicago, Maya Goded, Eva Jospin, Sarah Moon, Niki de Saint Phalle and Brigitte Niedermair among others are showcased in the exhibition which juxtaposes ethereal archival gowns and special editions of the Lady Dior bag in a special Wonder Room (Chambre aux merveilles). The exhibition runs from November 24 to May 13 2024.
Where to stay? Try the boutique bolthole Hotel Panache, in the 9th arrondissement, one of several trendy hotels by the Touriste group, which specialises in design-forward spaces at affordable for Paris price points (Les Deux Gares, La Boetie, Beaurepaire are others …)
Interior designer Dorothee Meilichzon has created spacious rooms where patten and texture combine, while the location is close to “grands magazins” such as Printemps and Galeries Lafayette and the Palais Garnier where exclusive backstage tours can be organised. Double rooms cost from €144. www.hotelpanache.com
