A tlanta, Geouria— Savannah College of Art and Design is thrilled to announce Dior: Crafting Fashion at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, opening April 16, 2026. Curated by Hélène Starkman— exhibition curator for Christian Dior Couture— and organized by Rafael Brauer Gomes, creative director of SCAD FASH museums, Dior: Crafting Fashion has been created exclusively by Christian Dior Couture in collaboration with the university and will be the first presentation of the House of Dior in the Southeastern United States.
" This spring, SCAD FASH Atlanta celebrates the legacy and influence of Christian Dior, who conjured fashion with the precision of architecture and the passion of poetry. This historic exhibition— featuring work never yet seen in a public exhibition— reveals the extraordinary artistry behind the storied French Couture House, from the first toiles shaped by the ateliers to the iconic lines and looks that command today’ s runways and red carpets. This exhibition is a master class in the magic of a legendary maison."
PAULA WALLACE
SCAD President and Founder
Designed to unfold over seven thematic sections, the exhibition brings together a series of narratives that shine a contemporary light on the House of Dior’ s heritage. Each section offers a different perspective on how this heritage is formed, passed on, and transformed, while never losing sight of the original vision. These sections include creations by designers from Christian Dior to Jonathan Anderson; toiles that speak to the first masterful contributions of the petites mains; expressive gardens; Lady Dior handbags revisited by American artists; and looks from dramatic fashion shows and red carpet events, where style and spectacle meet.
Christian Dior initially dreamed of becoming an architect before running an art gallery and ultimately becoming a couturier, originating a body of work that embodies the connection between memory and creation. Dior’ s early inspirations are the focal point of this ensemble of more than 100 historic pieces, with some presented for the first time. The exhibition brings into focus an identity shaped by time, precise craftsmanship, and a succession of creative visions that have always celebrated the intuition of the House’ s founding designer. Running throughout the exhibition, the threads of transmission, imagination, and expertise weave a thoughtful framework for understanding the world of Dior.
SCAD FASH MUSEUM OF FASHION + FILM PRESENTS
The set design explores the creative process— from drawing board to workshop and from accessorizing to catwalks— within an unbroken cycle of transformation. It guides the eye, offers new perspectives, and provides keys to understanding, ultimately revealing the House of Dior as a laboratory of ideas: a vibrant conversation that is always in the making.
" At the heart of this exhibition, specially created for SCAD and its unique learning environment, is the desire to convey the many forms that inspiration can take for a designer. The central idea is to paint a portrait of each designer at the creative helm of the House, looking at their journey, who they were before they joined Dior, and how each of them brought their own world into their collections. This event also offers Dior a unique opportunity to tell the whole story of a collection and how it is born, from the first drafts in white muslin to the preparation of a runway show. An exploration of the behind-the-scenes crafting of the Dior dream."
HÉLÈNE STARKMAN
Cultural Projects Director and Exhibitions Curator for Dior
The unveiling of Dior: Crafting Fashion will serve as the dynamic finale for SCADstyle 2026, the university’ s signature event celebrating all facets of style, design, and innovation. Following the conversation, SCAD FASH will host a private reception for museum members and special guests of the university. Students from an array of the university’ s top-ranked degree programs such as fashion, accessory design, luxury and brand management, advertising and branding, photography, illustration, fashion marketing and management, and more will have the exclusive opportunity to engage with curators and design leaders from the House of Dior through private tours and classroom lectures.
The university is honored to continue a celebrated dialogue with the House of Dior following the 2025 presentation of Christian Dior: Jardins Rêvés at SCAD FASH Lacoste in Provence, France, an exhibition that achieved record-breaking attendance at the university’ s SCAD Lacoste location.
" It has been a profound privilege to collaborate again with the legendary House of Dior on this exclusive presentation for SCAD FASH in Atlanta. Dior: Crafting Fashion illuminates the extraordinary elegance, artistry, and craftsmanship that has defined the House for generations. From the founding genius of Christian Dior to the distinct creative voices of his successors, including Jonathan Anderson, this exhibition honors the continuum of visionaries who have shaped Dior’ s enduring identity. We hope it serves as both inspiration and catalyst for our emerging SCAD creatives and visitors alike to reimagine what is possible in fashion and design."
RAFAEL BRAUER GOMES
Creative Director of SCAD FASH Museums
Photos courtesty of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Dior: Crafting Fashion will be on view at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, April 16 – August 23, 2026. For more information, visit scadfash. org