House of Dior, Paris, August 16, 2025

As we planned our trip, while sitting at home in mid-July, we decided a visit to the House of Dior would be interesting and something different from the routine Paris tourist venues. And, we were right. We entered La Galerie Dior, at 11 Rue François‑Ier, Paris (off Avenue Montaigne) and were shown to an elevator which was destined to carry us up to the third floor where our experience was to begin. As we stepped into the foyer, we were greeted with this first, and most unforgettable dress, named The Bar Suit which was the centerpiece of Dior’s 1947 collection. And, the dress was destined to change the fashion world.

The House of Dior was officially founded in Paris on December 16, 1946 with Christian Dior as its creative director. The house launched its first collection in February 1947, which introduced the now-famous “New Look”—a revolutionary silhouette featuring nipped-in waists, rounded shoulders, and voluminous skirts that celebrated femininity and luxury after years of wartime austerity. This debut not only reestablished Paris as the epicenter of haute couture but also transformed Dior into a global fashion powerhouse almost overnight, marking the beginning of one of the most influential fashion houses in the world.

Unfortunately, Dior himself was destined to reign over his creation for only eleven years. Some of the dresses in my photos were created by Dior, but due to his untimely death, most were created by designers that walked in his shadow. My photos, unfortunately, do not distinguish between Dior and others. Needless to say, the House survived his death and is as influential today as it was in 1957 when he passed away.

We roamed over thirteen rooms on three floors taking in the atmosphere and artistry that was and is Dior. In no particular order, I present some of the work of the men and women of the House of Dior. I like the first photo as it combines fashion and art as both the painting and suit are displayed together. I am certain this dress and the two in the next photo were designs by Dior.

The dress displayed in this photo is being worn by the model in the photo on the right.

For the most part, the displays were set in dark areas so that the dresses didn’t “fight” with anything. All that matters is the dress and this one is no exception. As you can imagine, I love the use of color and, also as you can imagine, I love the embroidery on the dress in the foreground. If you are going out on the town then the dress in the background would turn heads and you would be the envy of all the women.

Not all displays were dark. In this photo JoAnn is admiring the designer’s handiwork.

Eye candy?

I liked this sketch of Christian Dior and the following wall.

As we made our way downstairs, I snapped this photo. I liked the prospective along with the reflections. And, this serves as a transition in the displays, as you will shortly see.

Designers hard at work in the background photos and their creations on the mannequins.

The designer in this photo is Christian Dior.

There are stair cases everywhere but this one is in the House of Dior.

Christian Dior died on October 24, 1957, in Montecatini Terme, Italy, at the age of 52. The official cause of death was a heart attack. Reports state that he collapsed while on vacation at the resort town. His passing marked the sudden end of the career of one of the most influential couturiers of the 20th century. Most of the dresses were designed not by Dior but by others who followed him.

We, as we worked our way down from the third floor, came across this area. Stairs and displays reflecting light in all directions.

Soon we passed through Christian Dion’s personal office, where all the beautiful designs were imaged and then created.

Once past Dior’s office, we were starting on the last part of our visit. I offer some additional photos taken as we were on our way to the exit.

In a room, not far from Dior’s office was a display of letters, photos, fabrics and details representing, among other things, a sale to a patron in the United States. Holding fort was a delightful young woman who explained the process and was happy to point out the process. I like this photo

A letter to the client with a drawing of the dress to be. Clipped to the right corner is a swath of fabric showing the color and quality to be used.

“Outstanding” is the only way to describe this display. We sat in front of it, watching as the changing lights highlighted the beautiful dresses. It has to be experienced to be appreciated. This was probably my favorite exhibit. The changing lights allowed feelings to change just as the seasons change.

Not everything was dresses.

And, one last photo of our visit to the House of Dior. No, not a dress, a beautiful pair of gloves. I wonder how it might have felt to slide these on and leave for a night on the town.

House of Dior, goodbye.