A Love Affair; Dior and Harrods

There is nothing more British than a nice Cup of Tea with a delicious piece of cake. If you wanted it to be even more British then buying your treats from Harrods another absolute British institution, will be the tip of the top. What you may not know, is that the truly French house Christian Dior also has a strong British connection. The Houses’s love affair with Britain began in the 1950s when the designer formed an enduring relationship with the home of elegance, Harrods. Not only did Christian enjoy some British food, but he also drove a British Car. This story, which continues to grow through unique collaborations, has now been enriched by a new chapter.  This is a new pop-up to enjoy from Dior with Harrods. Find out more in A Love Affair; Dior and Harrods.

Image of left ©Kristen Pelou

Christian Dior the very optimum?? of a hero French fashion designer loved his country but did also seem to have a bit of a soft spot for Britain. It is said that he enjoyed Yorkshire pudding, Mince pies, stuffed chicken and, most of all he worshipped the truly British breakfast of tea, porridge, eggs and bacon.’

Could it be the soft spot he had for the UK traditions was because growing up in the seaside town of Granville, as a child he could see the UK isles across the water? His first visit to the Isles was at age 21 in 1926. He wrote That year that London was more beautiful than ever,’ and that ‘I adore the English, dressed not only in the tweeds which suit them so well but also in those flowing dresses in subtle colours.’

Campaign images © Sarah Jones @sarahjones_studio

As his fame grew his relationship with British royalty grew. First, a dress he was invited to create for Princess Margaret’s 21st birthday, a cream gold organdie with a stunning seven-layered skirt. The royal connection carried on with Princess Margaret, her mother the Queen, and the Duchess of Kent all being customers.

This unique tie was forged almost seventy years ago and now comes a new chapter. Dior is inaugurating a pop-up within the renowned department store. A marvellous space presenting the Dior autumn-winter 2024-2025 ready-to-wear collection conceived by the designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, from ready-to-wear to shoes, leather goods to glasses, textile accessories and jewellery. 

In the window displays, captivating variations of the Lady Dior, (Dior’s iconic bag) ranging from red to green; an irresistibly bright Diorama in chromatic nuances. 

Image © Kristen Pelou

This exceptional spot reflects the impetuous energy of the sixties and perpetuates Maria Grazia Chiuri’s tribute to the Miss Dior line which was initially launched by Marc Bohan and Philippe Guibourgé in 1967.

 The walls are notably adorned with sculptures featuring the season’s latest bag in dazzling shades of pink, purple or lime. The “Miss Dior” logo has become a code itself and can be seen in all-over versions or as bold graffiti on a series of pieces.

A veritable manifesto-signature, this motif is printed oversized on trench coats, jackets and skirts, and also sublimates the Dior Book Tote, Dior Tribales earrings, scarves, belts and Dway mules. As a final surprise, to mark the 175th anniversary of the emblematic Brompton Road building, 175 exclusive Miss Dior and Dior Book Tote models – in limited, numbered editions are waiting to be discovered in the boutique. 

All the way back in 1950 the enigmatic Dior presented his catwalk show in Britain. Held at the Savoy, it was just what post-war, British women needed. Later, back in France, his anglophile tendencies carried on as he drove an Austin Princess Vanden Plas, the same model of British car as the Queen.

Campaign Image© Sarah Jones @sarahjones_studio

Now at Harrods from July 31 to August 25, 2024 is a homage to the audacity and heritage shared by 30 Montaigne and Harrods in the name of creative freedom. Also a nod to the love Monsieur Dior had for the UK; a fabulous event showcasing the ultra-inspiring cultural dialogue between Dior and London. 

If you enjoyed reading A Love Affair; Dior and Harrods why not read Expose the written word Here