Dior spirit on display in Shanghai

Shanghai’s Museum of Contemporary Art welcomes a very special exhibition from September 13 dedicated to the visionary spirit of the couturier Christian Dior, who revolutionized the rules of modern elegance. The exhibition features over 100 of his haute couture dresses, along with photographs by celebrated fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier.

The Dior myth was born on February 12, 1947 when the talented designer presented his first collection at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris, an address that remains the heart of the House. Christian Dior, who originally wanted to be an architect, revolutionized the silhouette, accentuating the hips and  emphasizing the chest in a celebration of femininity.

Founded in 2005, MOCA Shanghai is devoted to cultural exchanges between Shanghai and the world. Several Chinese artists will present their personal vision of the Dior spirit as part of the new exhibition.

Fashion accessories come alive in Lin Tian Miao’s work, including a two-headed golden hanger. Transformed into a hydra, the instrument is reborn with new values in a process of humanization. Zeng Fhanzi represents the designer as a full-fledged work of art, interpreting his likeness using a special oil painting technique where the colors seem to disappear.

The retrospective covers several themes that invite visitors to discover the designer’s inspirations, alongside iconic pieces like the celebrated little black dress, which he termed “essential to a woman’s wardrobe.” Other themes are “pink” and “red”, two colors that defined his creation.

“Esprit Dior” Exhibition from September 13 to November 10, 2013 at the   Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art.