In re-reading my last two reviews of the Dior in Denver Exhibit, I realize how very little I was able to include, when there was so much to see and learn. Well, these reviews cannot go on forever, but there are a few other aspects and components of the Exhibit that I still want to share.
In one of the narrower passageways between Exhibit “rooms,” there was a display of Dior scarves lining each side. From the Dior Heritage Collection in Paris, these printed silk twill scarves were designed by Alexandre Sache between about 1958-1976.
The very bright graphic ones were so eye-catching:
And this engaging one with its impressionistic rose in the center was my favorite, I think:
You may have noticed in my first two reviews how many of the fashions, especially the early ones, were made in black. Dior considered black “the most elegant of all colors.” While they often do not photograph as well as other colors, these fashions made in luscious black fabrics commanded attention throughout the Exhibit.
I apologize for not having the attribution on this cocktail dress.
Also spread throughout the Exhibit were quotes from the various Creative Directors. Two especially caught my eye. The first, from Christian Dior himself, was one I had never read before. “The Americans are, by essence, impeccable.” Wow! What a lovely tribute to his stylish American clients.
And then there is this one from the current Creative Director, Maria Grazia Chiuri: “A dress can have some impact but a woman makes the difference with her attitude.” This quote needs no further commentary…
The Exhibit included so many supporting documents and written and printed materials, it was impossible to identify the most important. But I want to share this copy of Time Magazine from March 4, 1957, with Christian Dior on its cover.
Dior died the same year, 1957, on October 24th.
As Exhibit goers departed the exhibition space, there were paper punch-out Dior “handbags” for the taking:
Here is the reverse of this small bag, with punch-out puzzle pieces of the coat included! So clever.
After four hours nonstop in the Exhibit, I reluctantly departed from the Denver Art Museum to get a very late lunch, with intentions to return to the museum shop for a little browsing. Here I am upon my return, standing in front of one of the displays of books:
And here is the bag (I love bags!) which housed all those lovely purchases made at the Museum Shop:
Upon my return home to Pennsylvania, I was anxious to see what Christian Dior Vogue Designer Patterns I have in my collection of vintage patterns. Two are actually ones I purchased in the early 1970s, another time in my life when I was actively sewing for myself :
I made this coat when I was in my early twenties. I only wish I still had it!
I never made this pattern, but I may still do so.
And then there are these two, somewhat recent purchases:
These two patterns are earlier than the two above.
And yes, you do see a theme emerging if you consider these four patterns. They are all coats! (I am obsessed with coats…) Any guess what my current project is (after I make birthday dresses for my granddaughters)?
fiftydresses 
Karen, it’s a coincidence that we both have been reviewing our respective trove of patterns. I hope that you will show us your coat(s) when finished. I’m sure you will select a vibrant color! Think about me on Monday as I will attend the initial session of a sewing class. I need a refresher in some of the finer aspects of garment construction that I’ve forgotten over the years as well as pattern fitting. My husband and I are going on a cruise in August and I want to use the stash of fabrics I’ve had for years for sundresses and deck-lounging ensembles since we were told by our travel agent that the dress code for this boutique cruise ship is “country club chic”. I selected which pattern to use for each of my fabrics and made sure the pattern was cut out as many of them had never been used before. I’ve had my fabrics for many years and am thrilled to finally get to use them. Since 2004 I’ve been concentrating on very casual and simple garments and lots of home projects sewing. Now it’s time to get back to making “fancier” garments for myself utilizing proper sewing tools and techniques. Reading your blog has been a big part of rediscovering my love of sewing dresses and such! Wish me luck.
I absolutely do wish you luck, Peggy. This sounds like an exciting and worthwhile project. I always like having a goal to work towards in my sewing, so a “country club chic” wardrobe sounds like a lot of fun to me! And I so agree about using up “archived” fabric; that always makes me feel so good. This all sounds fabulous for you, Peggy! Thank you for letting me know.
This has been so much fun to read Karen, thanks for sharing the exhibit with all of us!
You are welcome, Kathy. Doing the reviews has been good for me, as it has made me think about the exhibit and the fashion house in specific terms. I am glad you have enjoyed this “trip.”
Wow Youlucky lady. ( I’m in the UK). Thank you for sharing. You look suitably elegant already but I do so understand your affinity with coats.
One can never have too many coats, says she who is mysteriously obsessed with them!
I have enjoyed these Dior vicarious visits, I enjoy seeing your pattern stash as well. Each of them is lovely and each will have its perfect pairing, but it’s the one you made in the 70’s that pops into my thoughts sometimes. The movement of the back radiates a youthful energy. I wonder if that would radiate into the wearer. It probably would. We do feel a certain way when we dress a certain way. Speaking of which, I’m glad you got to wear a pretty coat and scarf to the exhibit. I don’t mind people wearing jeans and tattoos but, whatever their style, it’s pleasant to see people wearing something they really like as a sign of respect for the artist. ..weather allowing, of course.
I remember feeling quite chic in that coat, and if I had youthful energy from it, it was probably because I was youthful! Perhaps it would work that magic on me again, should I make it again sometime. A good heavy coat was a necessity in Denver when I was there to see the Exhibit. Most exhibit-goers were decently dressed, but not many had on a skirt and sweater and tights as I did! Oh my, it was so much fun!
Reblogged this on sketchuniverse and commented:
✏📋✂ WELL DEARS! AND NOW WESTERN CLOTHES. REMEMBER: BEFORE A BEAUTIFUL STYLE, THERE IS A BETTER SKETCH. AND BEFORE SCISSORS THERE IS A GENUINE PENCIL