Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams at the V&A

Princess Margaret (1930-2002), photo Cecil Beaton (1904-80), London, UK, 1951. © Cecil Beaton, Victoria and Albert Museum, London.jpg

See Princess Margaret’s 21st birthday dress and a wonderful array of dreamy ball gowns at the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London

Christian Dior once said: “There is no other country in the world, besides my own, whose way of life I like so much. I love English traditions, English politeness, English architecture. I even love English cooking.”

V&A_Christian Dior Designer of Dreams exhibition_Ballroom section (c) ADRIEN DIRAND

If you’re visiting London or are lucky enough to live here already, then don’t miss out on this exhibition. Spanning from 1947 to the present day, it covers the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers, exploring the lasting influence of the fashion house, and Dior’s relationship with Britain.

The exhibition offers visitors the chance to see a breathtaking array of gowns in stunningly decorated rooms. A particular highlight of the show, which is the biggest-ever display of the fashion house’s work to be shown in the UK, is seeing Princess Margaret’s 21st birthday dress, which was designed by Dior. The princess was photographed by Cecil Beaton in it for her official birthday portrait.

Princess Margaret (left), with the Duchess of Marlborough behind, presents Christian Dior with a scroll entitling him to Honorary Life Membership of the British Red Cross after the presentation of his Winter Collection at Blenheim Palace on 3rd November 1954. (Photo by Popperfoto/Getty Images)

The show is so popular that is has been extended until Sunday 1 September, and although tickets were sold out, extra slots have just been released.

Very limited tickets are also available to purchase daily at 10am from the Grand Entrance on a first-come, first-served basis; these tickets are for times throughout the day on that day only. Authorised tickets are only available to purchase directly from the V&A.

https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/dior-designer-of-dreams