Paolo Roversi, 2013

Dior: The Legendary Images

Christian Dior is honoring its heritage this coming spring with an exhibition at its namesake museum in Granville, France. The exhibit titled “The Legendary Images: Great Photographers and Dior” will be a tribute to the esteemed shutterbugs who have captured the storied maison’s couture and ready-to-wear designs over the years.

Henry Clarke, 1956

By the numbers, there will be 200 images from 80 iconic photographers that encompass 60 years of design, alongside 60 couture gowns, and a handful of significant documents to round out the presentation that features designs by Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano, and the most recent looks from Raf Simons and Kris Van Assche.

Norman Parkinson, 1950

Since the submission of the first Haute Couture collection in 1947, the Dior House expands its visual effect with the help of the biggest photographers, themselves inspired by the style of the great couturier and his successors.

Cecil Beaton, 1951

Among the selected photographs featured in the exhibit: Patrick Demarchelier, who lensed a Kimono-style jacket in 2007, a shot from Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin in 2012 of Daria Strokous running through Versailles, Cecil Beaton’s image of a glittering evening gown from 1951, and Nan Goldin’s much-discussed campaign with Robert Pattinson for Dior Homme in 2013. Additionally, photos from Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Sarah Moon, Nick Knight, and Tim Walker will hang in the museum’s hallowed halls.

Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, 2012

The exhibition will be followed with the launch of a new book published by Rizzoli New York, entitled “Dior: The Legendary Images: Great Photographers and Dior” edited by Florence Muller. This volume presents a wealth of gorgeous photographs that bring the character of the couturier’s dresses to life, with each photographer interpreting them in his or her unique style.

Patrick Demarchelier, 2007

“The Legendary Images” will be open to the public from May 3rd to September 21st. The corresponding Rizzoli tome will be available on April 30th.

more. www.musee-dior-granville.com | www.dior.com