This exciting exhibition showcased groundbreaking artworks including original illustrations for Christian Dior Parfums, vintage perfume bottles, sketches and magazines, as well as a selection of Dior Haute Couture dresses personally chosen by John Galliano including a special dress designed by Galliano himself, in homage to Gruau.
René Gruau's bold lines and fluid style were perfectly in tune with the spirit of Dior, capturing the energy, elegance and audacity of the brand. His illustrations also tell of a special understanding Gruau had of Christian Dior himself, born of a close friendship between the two men. Gruau influenced the graphic style of a whole generation of fashion illustrators and the exhibition featured specially commissioned pieces from five UK based illustrators, whose works was inspired by the the rich collaboration between Gruau and the House of Dior.