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1957 Christian Dior: Study Series

Christian Dior's 1957 Haute Couture Dress: A Hands-On Examination

2 hr
1,000 US dollars
State Street

Service Description

Now available for free for the Couture Council or for non-couture council members, available for private study by appointment, plan a field trip to the museum and explore an haute couture gown from the house of Christian Dior, one of the last creations by Christian Dior himself before his untimely passing in 1957. This documented, historical dress is a remarkable example of Dior's mastery of haute couture. In this hands-on experience, you'll get to study the couture stitches, the thoughtful construction, and the exquisite materials that make up this iconic piece. With gloves provided (and required for wear), you'll gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship that went into this extraordinary garment. By examining this piece of haute couture, you'll gain invaluable insights into the art and craft of haute couture fashion design. You'll learn about the techniques and materials used in haute couture, and gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and creativity that goes into creating these masterpieces. We believe that by studying and learning from the master himself, this experience will enrich and inform your haute couture education, inspiring your creative journey. Includes: – Up to 2 hour tour with supervised access to a vault dress – Handling with gloves – Optional guided walkthrough of construction and details By appointment only. Availability is limited. Due to the fragile nature of this garment, the museum reserves the right to decline or cancel access at its discretion, including if the visit does not align with our educational purpose or terms of use. Inquiries welcome. Price Includes: -Private tour and 2-hour study session in Santa Barbara -Climate-controlled retrieval from secure storage from outside the fire and tsunami zones -Transport and safe handling of the garment -One-on-one access with museum director -Use of gloves and study workspace This is an educational visit. Once your research appointment is approved and booked, it is non-refundable.


Cancellation Policy

To cancel or reschedule, please notify us three days in advance. No refunds on no-shows.


Contact Details

  • 1525 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USA


Fiscally Sponsored by Creative Visions Malibu

Your support makes a difference! Couture Pattern Museum is fiscally sponsored by Creative Visions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports creative activists, those that use the arts and media to ignite social change. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Couture Pattern Museum (CPM) must be made payable to “Creative Visions” only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

 

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Member of the Arts District of Santa Barbara
Professional Member of the American Alliance of Museums
Associate Member of Santa Barbara Downtown Organization

Global Impact & Preservation Statement: The Couture Pattern Museum's preservation philosophy is informed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and UNESCO's framework for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Through the preservation, documentation, and transmission of licensed haute couture patterns and the technical knowledge they contain, the museum works to preserve the craftsmanship, savoir faire, and documentary heritage of twentieth century haute couture for future generations. The International Programme for the Preservation and Transmission of Savoir Faire is an initiative of the Couture Pattern Museum in Santa Barbara, California. The programme supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) by expanding access to technical knowledge, Sustainable Development Goal 11.4 by contributing to the safeguarding of cultural heritage, and Sustainable Development Goal 12 by promoting the preservation, study, and continued appreciation of craftsmanship and responsible fashion practices.

American Alliance of Museums (AAM)

As a professional member of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), CPM is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and quality in the museum sector. 

ICOM Founder Affiliation: Cara Austine-Rademaker, founder and director of the Couture Pattern Museum, is a professional member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), registered under the institution name Couture Pattern Museum.

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