When I started this blog with the goal of introducing my children to other cultures and experiences, I certainly wouldn’t have imagined writing about a Dior exhibit. I am no fashion aficionado. Generally I find fashion superficial and materialistic. But when a friend mentioned the exhibit, it sounded like something interesting to do with my daughter who has a passion for art. It was a truly wonderful learning experience and gave me much more respect for the world of fashion.
We braved a snowstorm to drive to Denver, and stayed the night at The Curtis. We love to check out different Denver hotels when we have the opportunity. The Curtis was on our list for its art inspired decor.
We hunkered in to the hotel on that cold evening. Grateful to not even have to brave the cold to go to dinner. The adjoining Corner Office restaurant was a delight. The menu was interesting; The food was good. But for the kids, the highlight was the colorful cotton candy that came as dessert with their kids meal.
The next morning we took ourselves on a self guided tour of the different floors of the hotel. Each floor has its own art theme. We stayed on the disco-themed floor, but liked the Super Hero and Pac Man floors best. My only disappointment was not getting to check out the hyper themed rooms, that sound like so much fun.
The “DIOR: From Paris to the World” Exhibit showcases 70 years of the House of Dior with more than 200 couture dresses. But it is so much more — a really interesting mesh of history, art and fashion. Old photos and videos are dispersed throughout the exhibit, nestled between striking couture gowns. Christian Dior created haute couture expressing modern femininity, and inspiring protests due to his “waste” of fabric. His rise to fame occurred following World War II. He eventually ran the first worldwide couture house. To have created a fashion house that has stood the test of time, he clearly was also a genius businessman.
What I found so interesting is how he and his successors, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri, found their inspiration. The creative process is fascinating. The expense and lengths that one designer went to to find his inspiration is astonishing. Traveling to historic areas of the world and gaining access to historical collections. I am no fashion aficionado, but do love art, history and especially a good story.
We learned about a furniture designer who went on to head a couture house. Obviously both require creativity and visual spacial abilities but I never would have thought that one could lead to the other. The thousands of hours that went into hand cutting fabric designs, or hand beading for a single dress is incredible. This exhibit is chock full of great stories, as well as dazzling dresses and accessories.
My expectations for the Dior exhibit were modest and so what a delight to have them so exceeded. But the highlight was seeing my daughter later create designs inspired by the Dior exhibit on her new art pad.
While we didn’t have to travel far, I was reminded of why I started this blog. We all took something away from the experience. For me it was the reminder of how we don’t have to go far to have a new eye opening experience. Certainly one thing that having children with their own personalities has given me, is the reminder to not judge. There may be things I don’t love about the fashion world, but it is also full of artistic inspiration.
We were provided one night complimentary stay at The Curtis. As always, our opinions are our own.
The post Art, History & Fashion at “DIOR: From Paris to the World” appeared first on Insider Families.
