Following its success in Paris at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and subsequently in London, Shanghai, Chengdu, New York, Doha, Tokyo and Riyadh, the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition is making its next port of call in Seoul, at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, from April 19 to July 13, 2025.This new chapter, thought up by curator Florence Müller, celebrates more than seventy-five years of creative effervescence through an immersive narrative conceived by Shohei Shigematsu of OMA, partner of global architectural firm OMA.
A captivating preamble, the visit commences by an enchanting journey into the very heart of 30 Montaigne, with precious photographs that enliven the magic of the “kingdom of dreams” where the House’s haute couture collections start their life. Foremost comes the revolutionary New Look – an eternal icon of Dior style – showcased in a spectacular scenography, the structure of which evokes the curves of the inimitable Bar suit’s skirt. The genesis and multiple reinventions of this signature silhouette are hence retraced.
Christian Dior’s passion for flowers and gardens is embodied in two infinitely poetic settings. The first, dedicated to Miss Dior, reveals the plural facets of this emblematic perfume thanks to previously unpublished archive material, in dialogue with a textile artwork by Eva Jospin. Modeled on a monumental moon jar, the second is enhanced with a floral constellation designed by artist HyunJoo Kim, allowing the Hanji technique – Korean paper made from mulberry fiber – to shine forth. A prodigious decor, further adorned by a ginkgo bench from the Lalanne collection.
The story of J’adore – also a legendary fragrance – is related in turn through an artwork signed Jean-Michel Othoniel, exceptional bottles dreamed up by Victoire de Castellane and India Mahdavi, and gold-embroidered dresses that divine ambassadors, such as Rihanna, wear to perfection.
From 1947 to the current day, the creativity of the various Artistic Directors is transposed into a unique space inspired by Jogakbo, a traditional Korean patchwork. This trajectory reproduces the graceful movements of a sewing ribbon; the pieces of Christian Dior’s successors follow on from one another and respond to each other, while the itinerary ends with a portrait of the couturier, by the multidisciplinary artist Zadie Xa. Devoted to the expertise of the ateliers, the white canvas room pays tribute to the virtuoso excellence of the petites mains in an astonishing interplay of optics and reflections; the Colorama simultaneously reveals a set-up that superbly recomposes the shades and combinations of the chromatic circle, reaffirming the importance of Dior accessories and fragrances. The epitome of elegance, the Lady Dior is (re)unveiled in reinterpretations exclusively devised by figures from the Korean art scene – nine for the Dior Lady Art project and seventeen for the Lady Dior As Seen By concept.
As an exquisite surprise, visitors will also be able to discover the outfits that have magnified the most dazzling female personalities, from Charlize Theron to Jennifer Lawrence, JISOO and Céline Dion. Lastly, an oneiric stroll puts into perspective Christian Dior’s fascination with parties and balls in a series of sumptuous ensembles in pastel and white tones – a symbolic color for Korean culture – displayed alongside an installation by Soo Sunny Park. A moment suspended in time, punctuating this extraordinary odyssey with an extra dose of enchantment and wonder.
