Seoul is the next destination for one of fashion’s most celebrated retrospectives. The “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” will open at Dongdaemun Design Plaza on April 19th and run through July 13th. The event follows successful shows in global fashion capitals, bringing seven decades of the French luxury house’s artistry to South Korean audiences.
The exhibition first premiered in Paris in 2017, celebrating the 70th anniversary of Christian Dior‘s revolutionary New Look. Since then, it has traveled to major cities including London, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai and Chengdu (China), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Doha (Qatar), enchanting audiences with its exploration of the designer’s inspirations – particularly his love of flowers and gardens – and the craftsmanship behind the brand’s haute couture.
Curator Florence Müller has carefully selected pieces that highlight the founder’s vision, incorporating works by Korean artists such as Kim HyunJoo, Soo Sunny Park and Zadie Xa. Another highlight is the Lady Dior section, where handbags customized by Korean artists join the global Lady Dior As Seen By project, in addition to contributions from 17 other artists, offering fresh interpretations of the iconic and best-selling bag.
Architect Shohei Shigematsu of the OMA agency has redesigned the exhibition layout to include spaces dedicated to Dior’s fragrances, complete with dresses worn by fragrance ambassadors such as Rihanna for J’adore and Natalie Portman for Miss Dior campaigns.
Beyond the exhibition, Dior is strengthening its ties with Seoul by renewing its partnership with Ewha Womans University, where Maria Grazia Chiuri previously presented her Pre-Fall 2022 collection. The collaboration, which began in 2022, supports educational programs, scholarships and mentorship through the Women@Dior initiative. Delphine Arnault, Chairman and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, emphasized the importance of this alliance, calling it a way to empower younger generations of women to gain confidence, express their individuality and contribute to building a better future.
