Dior and the Impressionists
1st July 2013 Christian Dior’s family home in the French seaside town of Granville, was an inspiration for his work throughout his life. Villa “Les Rhumbs” now the Christian Dior Museum, presents an intriguing exhibition this summer that links Impression art with Dior’s creations. The enchanting surroundings of “Les Rhumbs” with its garden overlooking the sea, echoes the “alfresco” – open-air ideal – of Impressionist artists that notably influenced Dior’s fashion creations. Above: Rose Pompon, silk chiffon dress printed with roses. Dior Haute Couture collection, spring-summer, S/S 1952, Sineuse line. Copyright: Laziz Hamani

There is an exceptional array of loans from prominent museums, including Musée d’Orsay, Musée Galliera, Musée Marmottan-Monet and Musée des Arts Décoratifs. In addition, there are splendid items from private Dior collectors. The exhibition establishes a dialogue between more than 70 dresses, plus a selection of masterpieces from Impressionist painters themselves, ranging from Monet to Degas, Renoir to Berthe Morisot. In conjunction with the exhibition, Rizzoli has published Impressions Dior by Florence Müller, fashion historian and curator of the exhibition. Impressions Dior continues through 22nd September 2013. www.musee-dior-granville.com JG