Photo diary: Dior-themed day
I've just retuned for a couple of days in London where I treated myself to a Dior-themed day. It so happened that it was also the 8th of March, International Women's Day and what better day to live up to Monsieur Christian Dior's quip that "every woman is a princess"? I certainly felt like one on the day.
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum
Truth be told, I had already made a beeline for this exhibition for its Parisian iteration in 2017 and I knew exactly what to expect: exquisite haute couture pieces, beautifully curated displays and a superb appraisal of the legacy of Christian Dior and the great names like Yves Saint Laurent, Gianfranco Ferre and Raf Simmons who led the house over the years. Maria Grazia Chiuri's oft criticised (though equally loved) creations stand their own ground amongst these giants of the fashion industry. One of the highlights of the exhibition is the dress Christian Dior crafted for Princess Margaret for her 21st birthday which was immortalised in Cecil Beaton's commemorative photograph. I fully appreciated why this was a highlight once I cast my eyes on the intricate straw embroidery, complemented with star-shaped sequin and shell appliqué. A true work of art which, I would say, inspired works by later artistic directors of the Dior Maison - some of Raf Simmons' and Maria Grazia Chiuri's works seem to reminisce this creation and make full use of the nimble talented hands of the craftsmen and women inside the ateliers.
The exhibition was marketed as sold out when I visited but if you haven't got your ticket yet and want to go, you're in luck as the exhibition has been extended till 1 September 2019! Find more details on the V&A Museum website here.
Pret-a-portea at The Berkeley Hotel
After a morning day dreaming at the V&A, I knew I would need myself some soul-restoring tea (and bubbly) so of course, I booked myself the Dior-themed afternoon tea at The Berkeley Hotel, a short walk away from the museum. The Berkeley hold seasonal, fashion inspired afternoon teas and this time round, Dior contacted them to organise a selection of patisseries based on the icons of this storied fashion house. So yes, you can have your Bar jacket and eat it too! The tea is composed of a savoury course and a sweet course and an endless selection of teas (or coffee) to which you can add a glass of bubbly or a signature mocktail (I opted for the good old Laurent-Perrier). Alas, being (1) vegetarian and (2) lactose-intolerant, I did not actually get to have the Dior-shaped biscuits and cakes (I admit I was looking forward to eating my slingback shaped biscuit till I get to buy the actual shoe!) but nevertheless, both my savoury and sweet selection was scrumptious - I'm still reminiscing about my butternut squash and egg and tomato sandwiches ... oooh, and that banana bread, oh my days!
If you'd like to have your Dior inspired afternoon tea, book your seat at The Berkeley here.
