The iconic Bar ensemble from the Dior Spring/Summer 1947 haute couture collection, showcased at UBS House of Craft x Dior exhibition in Singapore (Photo: UBS House of Craft x Dior)
The Resurgence of Haute Couture: UBS House of Craft x Dior in Singapore
Does haute couture still resonate in today’s fast-paced fashion landscape? The UBS House of Craft x Dior exhibition, currently on display in Singapore, emphatically answers: oui.
From November 21 to 23, 2025, the New Art Museum transforms into a vibrant tribute to Dior’s storied legacy, encapsulating the opulence and artistry of haute couture. This exhibition emerges from a collaboration between Carine Roitfeld, a prominent French fashion editor, and photographer Brigitte Niedermair. Roitfeld has curated a selection of breathtaking archival pieces, paired with striking photography that exemplifies Dior’s evolution over nearly eight decades.
At the exhibition’s core lies Dior’s signature Bar suit, originally debuted in Spring/Summer 1947, which heralded the “New Look” and redefined femininity in the fashion world.
Curatorial Vision: Carine Roitfeld’s Creative Direction
Carine Roitfeld’s aim in curating the exhibition is to craft an “immediate” experience for the audience. “I wanted to blend different eras in unexpected ways, such as juxtaposing an archival Christian Dior jacket with a John Galliano gown,” she explains. This creative mix not only highlights individual designs but showcases how each creative director at Dior has built upon the foundational vision of Monsieur Dior.
“My goal was to reflect that ongoing dialogue while emphasizing the timeless identity of Dior and its commitment to craftsmanship,” Roitfeld notes.
The Legacy of Creative Directors
The UBS House of Craft x Dior exhibition honors the prolific designers who have helmed the house, from Christian Dior himself to contemporaries like Maria Grazia Chiuri and John Galliano. Roitfeld has intuitively selected pieces that resonate with modern aesthetics, showing that true couture remains wearable and relevant today.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with every Dior creative director since Gianfranco Ferré, observing how the house has evolved,” she shares. By infusing elements from various past collections with modern styling cues—like latex gloves and denim—Roitfeld aims to reimagine history as a living narrative.
Bridging the Past with the Present
Brigitte Niedermair’s photography captures this vision beautifully, showcasing haute couture as not just historical artifacts but pieces that breathe life. The collaboration allows iconic garments to speak through contemporary styling, positioning each piece within an ongoing dialogue.
“Carine adds her unique flair, reimagining iconic Dior pieces and breathing fresh energy into them,” says Niedermair about their long-standing partnership.
Niedermair’s lens unearths the delicate intricacies of Dior’s craftsmanship, illuminating archival sketches and photographs alongside actual haute couture items—like the legendary Dior Bar suit—demonstrating the enduring artistry of the maison.
Engaging Experiences: Talks and Demonstrations
Visitors to the exhibition have the chance to deepen their understanding of haute couture through interactive experiences, including talks by Roitfeld and Niedermair, as well as live demonstrations by Dior’s skilled artisans. These events provide a rare glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship that characterizes haute couture.
Expanding on the original New York exhibition, this Singapore debut introduces new dimensions, including archival materials that reflect Dior’s historical ties to Asia, like sketches of the Nuit de Singapour dress by Yves Saint Laurent.
A Thoughtful Selection: The Significance of the Location
Singapore was specifically chosen for this exhibition’s Asian premiere due to its vibrant cultural landscape, which melds heritage with modernity. Jin Yee Young, co-head of UBS Global Wealth Management Asia Pacific, emphasizes that Singapore is the perfect setting to explore the blend of craftsmanship and innovation.
“This exhibition celebrates sophistication at the highest level,” Young remarks, highlighting how it encourages dialogue and discovery among attendees.
Insights from the Contributors
In an exclusive interview, Roitfeld reflects on her transformative experience sifting through the Dior archives. “Every garment tells a story, and the devotion to preserving these masterpieces is astonishing,” she says, revealing how this opportunity reshaped her understanding of couture as a living art form.
When asked about the significance of the Bar Ensemble from 1947, she emphasizes its enduring impact: “It is a defining piece, continually inspiring successive creative directors.”
Niedermair, who has captured countless Dior collections, articulates her approach to making each image resonate with the legacy of the house. “I strive to honor Dior’s past while making it feel relevant today,” she mentions, emphasizing the timeless essence that connects each generation of designs.
Craftsmanship and Future Aspirations
As the exhibition unfolds, it pays homage not just to the past, but also hints at the future of Dior. Roitfeld expresses anticipation for the future direction of the brand under Jonathan Anderson, pointing out that he captures the essence of the house while adding his unique flair.
The collaboration between Roitfeld and Niedermair encapsulates a vital conversation about haute couture—embracing both nostalgia and modernity in their artistic expressions. With this exhibition, the legacy of Dior is not only preserved but invigorated, ensuring that haute couture continues to inspire for generations to come.
For those wishing to experience this celebration of craftsmanship and artistry, tickets for the UBS House of Craft x Dior exhibition can be registered here.
The exhibition also features rare archival pieces like this Opéra Bouffe short evening dress in pink faille, from Dior’s Autumn/Winter 1956 haute couture collection (Photo: UBS House of Craft x Dior)
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