Here's Your First Look At The Christian Dior Exhibit In London

Princess Margaret's museum-worthy 21st birthday dress is also on display

Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret
Photo: Getty

The Victoria & Albert (V&A) museum in London is celebrating the legacy of legendary French couturier Christian Dior with the launch of an upcoming exhibition titled "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams."

The exhibit, which is open to the public on Saturday, February 2, features over 500 pieces (including 200 couture gowns) ranging from 1947 to the present day, spotlighting the stunning creations of Dior and his six successors since then. According to Fashionista, this is the brand's largest exhibition yet in the U.K., and is 60 percent larger than the brand's 2018 couture exhibit in Paris titled "Christian Dior: Couturier du Reve."

The pièce de résistance of the captivating collection is a gown Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II, sported on her 21st birthday. According to The Standard, the dress is on loan to the V&A by the Museum of London.

Oriole Cullen, the V&A's fashion and textiles curator, said in a statement that “in 1947, Christian Dior changed the face of fashion with his ‘New Look,’ which redefined the female silhouette and reinvigorated the post-War Parisian fashion industry. More than seventy years after its founding, the V&A’s exhibition will celebrate the enduring influence of the House of Dior and uncover Dior’s relationship with Britain.”

The exhibit also features custom pieces explicitly made for the red carpet, such as Jennifer Lawrence's red gown for the Oscars. Also on display are Christian Dior’s personal possessions, accessories, fashion photography, film, vintage perfume, original make-up, and illustrations. Flip through to get a taste of the collection.

This article originally appeared inHarper's BAZAAR US.

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Viewers take in an incredible gown, vintage fragrances (Diorling perfume from 1963), and throwback wall paintings. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A white blazer is paired with mini skirt and tonal topper. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

An Anubis Egyptian dog statue boasts a multicolour snakeskin collar. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A black and cream embroidered waist-cinching pleat complements a tonal bohemian dress. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A spectator poses in a room featuring Christian Dior fitting model Sylvie, circa 1948. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams

Maria Grazia Chiuri designed a breathtaking silk tulle dress for the Spring/Summer 2018 Haute Couture show, which comes with a matching fan. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

Bold red suiting featuring a pleated cape and an intriguing pair of tonal sunglasses. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A metallic gold baroque neck collar stands out against a fuchsia puff sleeve top. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

The teal and gold embroidery of this Victorian long sleeve dress walks the perfect line between old-world charm with modern style sensibilities. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

This display features sketches, vintage photographs, and shoes from the luxury French house. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A painting of Princess Margaret hangs across from the striking gown she wore to her 21st birthday celebration. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

Nothing pulls together suiting like a complimentary hat. On the left, fur accents add a luxe vibe to the outfit while on the right, the pops of colour adds modernity. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A lady-like cream sleeveless above-the-knee dress with bow accents at the shoulders. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

An Écarlate silk faille afternoon dress, from the Autumn-Winter 1955 Haute Couture collection, Y line. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

Princess Margaret's 21st birthday gown takes center stage in a room with a wall filled with stunning haute couture dresses. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A mix of colorful dresses and separates are on display in London at the prestigious V&A Museum. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A diverse array of dresses line the corridors of the "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams" exhibit. Photo: getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

Projections of Raf Simons (creative director of Dior from 2012-2015) and Maria Grazia Chiuri are displayed above a group of gowns. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A variety of dresses and a stunning red coat are on display amidst a modern light display. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

An onlooker checks out the five pieces on display including a floral dress, red and grey suiting, and a white above-the-knee dress. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A variety of vermillion and red satin shoes with floral accents at the toe cap on display at the "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams" exhibit. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

Every color of the rainbow, plus classic black, white, and neutral hues are featured throughout the exhibit. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

During the brand's Yves Saint Laurent era (1954-1960), the design savant created plenty of stunning looks. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

An in-depth look at the stunning all white pieces are perfectly aligned against the walls and housed behind glass windows. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

This all-white room features a mix of long-sleeve and sleeveless classic creations. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

From soft blush to attention-grabbing red creations, a variety of bright dresses and accessories are on display. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

Nine pieces from the Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent era. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

This incredible silk tulle dress is from Dior's current creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri's Spring/Summer 2018 Haute Couture runway collection. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

From a sheer sparkling hater dress with an ornate pair of space-age sunglasses to an elegant beaded strapless gown with a lady-like floral headband, the collection shows off some of the most impressive pieces from the French label. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A collection of metallic gowns stand on display at the V&A Museum. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

An array of sparkling pink gowns boasting a mix of embellishments, bows, and tulle are on display. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A plethora of couture gowns line the room, with a gorgeous creme and multicolour evening gown at the centre of the space. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

An intricately designed gown with multicolour beaded accents throughout. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

Princess Margaret's 21st birthday gown sits in the center display surrounded by other breath-taking Christian Dior haute couture gowns. Princess Margaret once presented Christian Dior with a scroll with an Honorary Life Membership of the British Red Cross. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams

A closer look at the iconic Bar Suit. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

A spectator takes in the Bar Suit (center) made from silk and wool that hails from the Spring/Summer 1947 Haute Couture collection. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret

Two beautiful gowns are on display at the V&A Museum, including Princess Margaret's gold dress (on the left) made for her 21st birthday. Photo: Getty
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Christian Dior Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London Princess Margaret


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