Galerie Dior 11 rue Francoise Premier, Paris
The imagination of the team at the Dior Galerie is in superb form with this exhibition. The beautiful images are distributed throughout the space—sometimes as enormous single prints, other times in groups or smaller spaces with mannequins displaying the pieces featured in the photographs. These arrangements consistently lead us through the beautifully curated displays, illustrating the links between Dior and the photographer’s vision.
The sense of movement and the captured moment in time is a constant theme throughout many of the photographs, emphasizing the collaboration between Peter Lindbergh and his models. The flow and joy in creating each arresting fashion moment is evident and palpable in the results.
One of the most striking aspects for me is the wide range of garments Lindbergh chose to feature, from severe and structured pieces to transparent and floating creations. His work encapsulates the heritage of the house, from the Bar jacket to New Look ballgowns, offering the viewer a chance to appreciate the range of possibilities that arise from the relationship between the photographer and the fashion house. Through over a hundred images taken between 1988 and 2018, the exhibition showcases the connection between haute couture and a visionary photographer. Particularly dazzling are the previously unseen shots of seventy years of Dior creations, captured on the streets of New York, spanning the eras of Christian Dior himself, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, Raf Simons, Maria Grazia Chiuri, John Galliano, and Yves Saint Laurent. In addition to the photographs, there are films, contact sheets, captions, and even cameras, adding depth to the narrative and further enhancing our understanding of the work.
As we walk through the Dior Galerie, the blend of past and present, and the blurring of decades and designers, deepens our appreciation for Christian Dior and the couture house he established in 1946. We witness the lasting impact of his first collection, shown in January 1947, on the fashion world, and how his signatures and styles have endured. Peter Lindbergh’s photographs transform and reimagine the essence of the house into timeless beauty. The dates and designers’ names become mere details, while the ateliers, the Avenue Montaigne atmosphere, and the legacy of Dior transcend time. Dior himself would undoubtedly be proud—though no doubt, modest.
The establishment of the Dior Galerie has been invaluable to fashion globally, offering not only the history of a great couture house but also, with its updates and rearrangements, access to pieces typically reserved for researchers or archivists. By incorporating Peter Lindbergh into the gallery rather than placing his work in a separate or off-site exhibition, the Dior team has elevated an already exceptional fashion experience.
What truly enhances our enjoyment of this exhibition is the journey through the always breathtaking Dior Galerie, enriched by the added glories of Peter Lindbergh’s photography. This special experience runs until May 4, 2025, and I urge you to attend. It’s a superb use of your time, but do allow yourself ample time to fully appreciate it—it’s not an exhibition to be rushed through, and it’s certainly not just another photography show. Unique in its installation and vision, it adds immeasurably to the House of Dior—a true feather in its fashion cap.
