Whimsy Bower: Arts & Crafts with Dior

13 April 2026

Arts & Crafts with Dior

I was going to post something craft related today, but looking through older photos, I found some I'd taken at a past Christian Dior exhibit. It's not exactly crafts, but these dresses are works of art.

Dior's "New Look" was all about femininity: full skirts and cinched waists (if I recall correctly, he tried to bring back corsets). I totally understand why women didn't want to go back to these kinds of restrictive styles after the general comfort and freedom of 1930s and 40s fashions, but a part of me also wishes I could've dressed like this (the part of me that forgets how much I prefer being comfortable).

I love these ribbon details. If my sewing skills get a little better, I'm tempted to add something like this to a skirt.

I also think gloves should make a comeback. In this post-covid world, it only makes sense.

The dress above looks like something from a fairytale, and the one below looks like something Marilyn Monroe might've worn...

I'm not usually one for beading on my clothes (maybe I should be?) but the beaded collar on this dress is just amazing. I don't think my photo does it justice.

Speaking of beads, these necklaces were also part of the exhibit...

The exhibit also highlighted some of Dior's perfume bottles, which he designed:

This dress was included at the start of the exhibit. I don't remember if it's a Dior, or if it was there to show some of his influences, but I love it, so I'm sharing.

What do you think of Dior's New Look? Which dress is your favourite? And who is your favourite designer of the past (I also love House of Worth and Callot Soeurs). Share in the comments...