Dior, the iconic fashion house, is weaving a captivating narrative of art, innovation, and heritage in Shanghai with its latest Art’N Dior exhibition, held in conjunction with ART021, the Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair. This exhibition is a testament to Christian Dior’s multifaceted artistic journey, from gallery owner and collector to the renowned couturier he became.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is the eighth edition of Dior Lady Art, a unique concept that showcases the transformative powers of artists on the iconic Lady Dior bags. The artists, including Mircea Cantor, Jeffrey Gibson, Gilbert & George, Ha Chong-Hyun, Lee Kun-Yong, Mariko Mori, Ludovic Nkoth, Hilary Pecis, Mickalene Thomas, Zadie Xa, Michaela Yearwood-Dan, and the influential Xu Zhen, present their reinventions of the classic bag.
Xu Zhen, a luminary in the Chinese art scene, takes inspiration from his “Metal Language” series for his Lady Dior bags. These transparent plexiglass and leather creations, featuring mirrored-effect prints adorned with metallic chains, symbolize the emptiness of language devoid of practical function. Xu’s playful exaggeration of pre-existing phrases challenges the essence and value of communication.
Ha Chong-Hyun, a South Korean artist, brings a monochromatic allure to Lady Dior bags, revealing vibrant colors as light passes through them. Transposing his iconic paintings onto four bags, Ha crafts captivating art objects that play with nuance and materials, elevating them to a new level of luxury and elegance.
The Miss Dior As Seen By retrospective further enriches this dreamlike journey, featuring the reinterpretation of the fragrance bottle by nine exceptional women. Ingrid Donat, Wang Hua, Eva Jospin, Haruka Kojin, Zhou Li, Sabine Marcelis, Pia Maria Raeder, Brigitte Niedermair, and Liang Yuanwei infuse their virtuoso visions into the fragrance’s essential codes, resulting in a collection of uniquely reimagined bottles.
Zhou Li, in particular, draws inspiration from her Peach Blossom Spring series, infusing the Miss Dior bottle with a hazy smoke-like pattern in signature soft pink. The piece reflects the gentle, rational, yet powerful force of femininity, showcasing Zhou’s mastery of various materials and techniques.
A room dedicated to the Medallion chair reveals the fascinating dialogue between Dior and Philippe Starck. Starck’s Miss Dior chair, introduced in 2022, strikes a balance of audacity and grace. In 2023, the Monsieur Dior armchair pays homage to Christian Dior and his sister Catherine, combining excellence in craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
This unprecedented Dior event, hosted at the West Hall 1 of the Shanghai Exhibition Center through November 12, encapsulates the fusion of culture, design, and couture, celebrating the plural beauty of creation. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this exquisite blend of fashion, art, and innovation at 1000 Yan’an Rd M, Shanghai.Top of Form