Dior - A New Look Exhibition in Den Haag
On Saturday, September 21st, an incredible Exhibition Dior A New Look was opened in Kunstmuseum Den Haag. I had a chance to visit it on the opening day, it was not too crowded just a calm perfect day to explore this gorgeous exhibition. Expo celebrates the revolutionary fashion designs of Christian Dior, focusing on his influential 1947 collection that introduced what became known as the "New Look." This collection marked a dramatic departure from the austere styles that dominated fashion during World War II. It featured silhouettes with cinched waists, full skirts, and soft, rounded shoulders, embodying femininity, luxury, and elegance.
The term "New Look" was coined by the editor of Harper’s Bazaar, Carmel Snow, who was captivated by Dior's bold break from the past. The collection redefined post-war fashion, emphasizing opulence and craftsmanship at a time when materials were still scarce. Dior's designs not only revitalized the Parisian fashion scene but also influenced global fashion trends, making the "New Look" a pivotal moment in fashion history.
This exhibition focuses on telling a story of it’s true DNA and what Cristian Dior wanted to showcase when creating his garments. Collection for this exhibition mainly focuses on garments that were designed for celebrities, actors, princesses and other important public figures all over the world that wore Dior for their special occasions like red carpets, premieres, wedding and any other exciting event you could think of. In the exhibition you can see a 12 min short film, which I found so fascinating, that shows actors, princess of Monaco and later celebrities wearing Dior couture and what was their connection with the Fashion house.
The exhibition showcases a range of Dior's iconic pieces, alongside sketches, photographs, an incredible jewerlly collections gathered from all over the world from private collections and museums, and other archival materials, like a Miss Dior perfume bottle from 1950’s, offering visitors insight into how Dior’s vision reshaped the world of fashion and why it continues to be celebrated today.
I ended my visit in a pop-up store, where an array of Dior books, notebooks, prints, and various merchandise were available. Purchasing even a small item allows me to create a tangible memory linked to the experience, enriching my understanding of the creator's legacy and the exhibition itself. For anyone with an interest in fashion and its history, I highly recommend visiting this museum. The exhibition will run until January 26, 2025, providing ample opportunity to explore and reflect on the artistry and evolution of fashion.
