L'Officiel Malaysia was lucky enough to attend the preview show of Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams in Seoul, where curator Florence Muller herself was the guide - catch some exclusive insights!

It all started in 2017. Paris, the Mus&eacute;e des Arts D&eacute;coratifs, the 70th anniversary of the House of Dior and the high-profile launch of the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition. The retrospective was an instant hit, attracting 700,000 visitors in just six months - an absolute record for the museum! Eight years later, the exhibition has traveled to seven megacities (from London and Shanghai to New York and Tokyo) and has become one of the most talked-about fashion blockbusters of the 21st century. It conquers the world with its immersive storytelling and incredible concentration of haute couture art.

This year, Dior is housed in Seoul, at the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). But this is not the House's first encounter with this vibrating city. The connection between Dior and Seoul is strong: ten years ago the Esprit Dior exhibition was held here, and recently, in 2022, Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri organized a show of the fall collection right in the Ihwa Women's University. So the current chapter of Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams in the capital of South Korea is a story with a special depth.

30 Avenue Montaigne

L'Officiel Malaysia was lucky enough to attend the preview show, where curator Florence Muller herself acted as a guide - catch some exclusive insights! The tour started with a tribute to the heart of Dior - the legendary atelier at 30 Avenue Montaigne, where everything started. The facade and the very iconic staircase, transferred on the fabric, meet at the entrance, and archive photos delicately tell the stories born in these walls.

The New Look

The journey continues with the debut of the revolutionary New Look with the very Bar jacket in the spotlight. It was presented in a circular structure that echoed the elegant curves of the skirt. Here, the one and only Stephen Jones - the hat maker of Dior House since 1966 - took the floor! He shared the secrets of fancy hats that adorned iconic images through the years. For example, he told about the velvet miracle, which was originally decorated with feathers of the bird of paradise, and now - with peacock feathers.

Miss Dior

Monsieur Dior's endless love for flowers and gardens blossoms in a chapel-like room - an elegant homage to the iconic Miss Dior fragrance. Created in 1947 as a dedication to the designer's sister, this floral-chypre perfume with notes of leather and galbanum has become a legend. Early bottles from Baccarat are seen here, including one that was specially designed for Grace Kelly.

The Dior Garden

Prepare to be completely delighted in the moon jar room! This space, created by artist Kim Hyun-ju, is made entirely of Handi, a traditional Korean paper made from silk mulberry fibers. Continuing the theme of Monsieur Dior's reverence for nature, the room is decorated with over 30,000 leaves and thousands of flowers from different types of handi - this miracle took two months to complete! Perfectly matched Dior dresses symbolize the four seasons, and projections enhance the immersive effect.
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&ldquo;I want people to feel happy - forget that they are in Seoul and feel themselves in the world of Dior,&rdquo; Kim Hyun-ju shared with us in a private conversation. - The Moon Vase is a new universe. Once inside, you become a fairy. Listen to the sounds of nature in the background, imagine that it surrounds you, calm down and relax&rdquo;.
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Colorama

From the bright realm of nature we are transferred to the atmospheric Colorama hall. Here in the showcases there is a whole palette of Dior creations - from fragrances and makeup by Peter Phillips to accessories - all organized by chromatic shades. Then follows the Dior Ateliers space, the hallmark of the exhibition, which in Seoul got a new reading: couture silhouettes floating in the air in the form of toile models create an absolutely fabulous atmosphere.

The Dior Legacy

The Dior Legacy room is a fascinating journey through the epochs of the House through the eyes of its creative directors. From the feminist vision of Maria Grazia Chiuri, the conceptual purity of Raf Simons, the theatrical grandiosity of John Galliano, the architectural silhouettes of Gianfranco Ferr&eacute;, the streamlined elegance of Marc Boan and the youthful exuberance of Yves Saint Laurent to the classic sophistication of Monsieur Dior himself, each designer's era flows seamlessly into the next. Expect to see previously unexhibited archival treasures and original sketches. The highlight of the room is a portrait of Christian Dior by Korean-Canadian artist Zadi Xa, rendered in her signature patchwork bojagi technique.

The Dior Ateliers

Lady Dior

The iconic Lady Dior bag has certainly been honored with its own lounge. As a tribute to local art, the space is adorned with incredible creations by 26 Korean artists. Their interpretations range from abstract and geometric to whimsical and nature-inspired, proving once again that Lady Dior is not just a fashion icon, but also a canvas for creativity.

J'Adore

Before entering the J'adore lounge, the mood is set by Rihanna's track &ldquo;Love on the Brain,&rdquo; the same soundtrack from the 2024 fragrance campaign. Inside, the House's other iconic perfume is displayed in a glittering installation, surrounded by dazzling gold dresses worn by Rihanna and Charlize Theron. Hollywood glamor!

Speaking of stars: Dior has been a favorite of celebrities since its foundation in 1947. And over the years, as the maestro's motto says, his dresses really do turn every woman into a princess. From Grace Kelly and Lady Diana to modern-day ambassadors Jisoo of Blackpink, Anya Taylor-Joy and Jennifer Lawrence, the dazzling gowns are presented here in all their splendor.

Stars in Dior

The journey ends with an homage to Christian Dior's love of balls and lavish parties. Under a dreamy starry sky, floor-length gowns in white and soft pink hues shine - a symbolic color choice for Korean culture. An installation by artist Soo Sunny Park adds an ethereal glow to the space, ending the expierience on a note of fantasy and pure wonder.
Standing in this final room, one feels the same thrill that doesn't let go long after leaving. A true dream come true. No exaggeration, it is a must see.

The &ldquo;Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams&rdquo; exhibition is now open and will run until July 13.

Inside the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition in Seoul

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