The pandemic has been rough on travel. For those of us who look forward to vacations, experiencing new cultures, foods, landmarks, these past couple years have not been kind. I am extremely grateful that I still have my health, when so many people lost their lives. To say that things have been depressing is an understatement.
My mother approached me earlier this year to ask if I’d like to go to Paris with her. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have been to Paris a handful of times. Each time discovering a new museum, statue, restaurant, experience etc. I was all too happy to say yes! I began researching new places to eat, visit, and other things to do.
That was when one of my favorite IG accounts about Paris posted about the brand-new opening of La Galerie Dior. Located just behind their flagship store 30 Av. Montaigne, this museum is one of the best fashion art installations I’ve ever seen. The only other installation that holds a candle to it, is the Jean Paul Gautier at the De Young Museum. If you didn’t have the chance to see that, I’ve put a link to a review here. It was phenomenal.
I bought my tickets three months in advance, and waited. During this time few people posted about the museum, it was still relatively unknown. The few photos I had seen were of opulent perfume bottles, feathery dresses, and a colorful wall full of Dior accessories.
The day arrived and I was ready. We had to queue in line despite having the designated time-tickets. We didn’t have to wait long though. I would recommend booking an earlier time because I could see things bottlenecking, and then it takes longer in the afternoon to get in.
Upon entrance you are greeted by the colorful Dior wall, it spans 3 floors; a full rainbow of accessories and tiny dress replicas. The attendant told us to take the elevator up to floor 3. We exited the elevator into the first part of the museum, once inside the room you are greeted by the initial Dior fashions that made Dior what it is today. You hear about what inspired Christian Dior to make his creations. I enjoyed hearing what a fan he was of florals and flowers. I think a lot of the designs show that.
The next room is completely different, it is as if you are walking into a magical garden at midnight. There are twinkling lights, with vines and dark flowers. In among this are some of the most beautiful dresses I’ve ever seen. Especially the one below with poppies. These pictures don’t do these dresses justice, after all these pieces are couture. It was superb.
Following this room, you are immediately transported to coquette-angelic aesthetic full of pastels with bows and sweet heart necklines.
After this, you make your way down a hall showcasing some of the classic tailored Dior designs.
A bit further and you are in monsieur Dior’s workshop! It was really fun to see his desk, but it was even more amazing to stand over his workshop.
In this room there were more vintage Dior designs including a wedding dress!
This room had more artistic pieces. This white dress done by Galiano during his time at Dior was amazing!
This room was styled as a couture workshop, featuring phantom designs waiting to come alive in the atelier hands.
This room was a beautiful interpretation of the Paris skyline and Dior’s flagship store! The dresses in this room were all black, and all uniquely wonderful. There’s even a light feature on the wall showing the Dior store, where silhouettes of people prance and hug in front of open windows.
They showcased beautiful walls, full of jewelry pieces and perfume bottles. Each room was like a treasure chest.
Towards the end of the exhibit there was a large room where two stories of Dior dresses were showcased in heavenly style. The walls changed as classical music boomed in the background. It was quite a sight as stary nights gave way to perfect fluffy clouds, and then twinkling gold stars falling down the walls.
The exhibit ends in the exclusive Dior Café, where you can stay and have a sip of bubbly. I highly recommend this addition to your next trip to Paris. It is truly a unique slice of Parisian fashion history!
Love your review!