If you were unable to acquire tickets to the exhibit ‘Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams’ at the V&A in February, then I am not very surprised. The news says that this exhibition, which only opened a little over a month ago, has already received over 121,000 visitors. This unprecedented demand has led the V&A to immediately extending the exhibits’ stay at the museum.

Whilst this news will give many, another chance to see inside this ode to the legacy of one the twentieth century’s most influential courturiers, I’ve been fortunate enough to have already been given an exclusive private view of the exhibit, courtesy of one of my favourite recommended  culture group, Spirit Now London The group, founded by Marie-Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre in London, organises exclusive opportunities for benefactors, collectors, patrons and lovers of art to indulge in their passion and experience one of a kind events with some of the most prominent figures and institutions in the arts.

My night at the museum started at 7pm, when the doors of V&A were shut to the public. Greeted with a champagne cocktail on arrival and received personally by the Head of Dior in London, there could be no one more appropriate to have made the charming introductory remarks to our tour of the exhibit, than perhaps Christian himself.

Dior was known for being a true modernist, decades ahead of his time, with a legacy that forces us to consider fashion as one of the high-arts. The exhibition clearly touches on these themes and his influence. Each space within the exhibit has features work from a certain time, place or idea with pieces from various designers from the entire house of Dior including; Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano, Raf Simons, Maria Grazia Chiuri and others.

As I had expected, Marie curated an exceptional programme. Our guide truly captivated with a mix of charisma, insight and an adeptness to provoke new thought.This was despite many of our group being already well read and familiar with Dior’s story and works.

Copyright – Musée des Arts Décoratifs

As I toured, there were many times, when I could only imagine what it would be like to wear these dresses. Mid-summer parties, the opera or at Christmas. When my eyes first met the Jardin Fleur Dress. A delicate silk and feather dress, with petal like decorations. The feeling was visceral. Perhaps induced by a spectacularly decorated exhibit room, that transported you to a “secret garden”, a setting that was originally used to showcase the dress in 1964.

Ever since last week, I have been telling my friends to see this exhibition whilst they still can. For those with a special interests in the arts then I cannot recommend enough the experience I had with Spirit Now London. On that night at the museum I didn’t expect myself to become as engrossed as I did. I’ve realised Dior’s mantra “not to buy much, but to make sure what I buy is good”.

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