Viviane Sassen at La Galerie Dior

The Essence of Dior through the ages

I remember where Viviane and I were when the news came through that she’d won her first Dior campaign. In a bar, in Leeds, after the opening night of her surrealistic show, Hot Mirror, at Hepworth Wakefield. Already feeling pretty good, by the success of the night and the glamour of opening alongside a Lee Miller show, we danced around a bit, had some more champagne and generally felt like two cats who had the cream.

There is something special about Dior. The legacy they have written through the recognition of artists who remain true to their vision whilst consistently innovating, is complimentary to the ethos and skill of the people that work there and the collaborators they partner with.

It felt like all the hard work that Viviane had done, the collaborative energy it had taken to secure her voice had lead to this point. Dior had recognised her contribution to her craft, as a woman, as a fashion photographer and as an artist.

A few years on and the relationship has continued. She has since shot other campaigns, editorials, been on the podcast and received sponsorship for her installation at Kyotographie in May this year. Currently a commission to photograph the iconic dresses and ensembles of the House, hangs in the prestigious Galerie Dior installed alongside ‘the most emblematic creations capturing the essence of the Dior allure through the ages’. Photographed in the haute couture workshops of 30 Montaigne, Viviane reworked the series with her signature collage and paint work giving us a unique set of images which will become an artist bequest to the Dior archive.

La Galerie Dior is an exceptionally beautiful series of linked galleries designed by Nathalie Crinière. The visitor moves up a white staircase surrounded by miniature dresses and models of the accessories encased in themed colour blocks, through a sequence of rooms featuring the House’s history. The footprint at 30 Montaigne, covers the original much smaller building, the famous staircase where Dior showed his collections and the subsequent acquisition of the surrounding buildings. A highlight is the view into the model’s changing room, used as the backstage for the shows, in its original position and decor, as if the master has just left the room.

The house’s relationship with artists and artisans, models and makers is an entrusted legacy that shows how clearly the vision of each artistic director has enhanced it’s depth. The house's respect and relationship with artists is well documented and Viviane is proud to be member of the Dior wider artistic family.

It’s well worth a visit.

Book to avoid disappointment and go early or late.

Viviane’s show is up until the 30th Sept.