S E A H O R S E
I S S U E
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n° 2 6
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[ MISE EN PLACE / CHRISTIAN DIOR ]
Style without Limits From the codes of classic elegance to an eclectic, informal inspiration. Limitless creative freedom for a brand that from the moment of its launch has captivated us with new forms of expression by Marta Bernasconi
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30 Avenue Montaigne is the legendary Paris address of the first Christian Dior boutique ( 1947). In 2019 the Dior Maison boutique opened at number 28 on the same street, and here the great creative talent’s imagination interprets the art of living. The table lines include the Constellation collection, with black and white decorative motifs
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[ MISE EN PLACE ]
is creations immediately became objects of desire. He first began to cast his spell in 1946, the year the Parisian fashion house was founded. Christian Dior had a unique ability to highlight femininity in its most attractive and exciting form, introducing new, often revolutionary ideas in every collection. He was also responsible for creating the New Look, complementing the lines of his garments with accessories, shoes, bags, scarves, perfumes and gifts. Genius, insight and daring experimentation led to the creation of an exceptional heritage that now also includes furnishing complements and the art of hospitality. In fact, even in the early days of his stores it was possible to find vases, mirrors and crystal glassware alongside the Dior clothing. The home collection grew, nurtured by a long series of collaborations with artists and experts who scoured the world for original, skilfully-produced pieces. In 2016 the brand launched limited editions by artists and designers such as Lucie de la Falaise, India Mahdavi and the architect Peter Marino. The Dior Maison boutique was opened in Paris in 2019. The table collection featured pieces taking up the symbols of the Dior code like the “cannage” motif, gingko leaves and the iconic toile de Jouy design, now populated with wildlife. From its beginnings to the present day, CD’s dining and home line has rested on a threefold base of colours, design and style, all inspired by a search for quality and sophisticated manufacture and all deeply rooted in the brand’s DNA. A link with the passions of the great French couturier remains a further distinctive element in many collections. This clear in Constellation, the series created by the brand’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, and artist Pietro Ruffo to reflect Christian Dior’s interest in astrology. The result is black and white illustrations that add a new impact to the appeal of traditional Tarot cards, appearing on Limoges porcelain plates and trays. Fortunately the French stylist had a wide range of interests, and these still provide an eclectic source of inspiration in the creation of table and home lines. All of these styles, though, express a personal feeling, showing the truth of Dior’s words when he said, “Living in a house that doesn’t look like you is a bit like wearing someone else’s clothes”. www.dior.com
The Italian hand-blown glasses are given movement and life by exuberant multicoloured writing on a transparent background. Above, Granville, a collection designed by Cordelia de Castellane celebrating Christian Dior’s passion for the flowers that grew at the family home in Normandy
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The traditional Tarot images inspire the Constellation line. Christian Dior loved the Tarot, revealing his superstitious nature. The stars were among his favourite symbols, also reproduced on embroidered cushions
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