In an era where the grandeur of fashion photography often feels diminished by its consumption on small digital screens, the tactile experience and profound impact of large, glossy magazine spreads are fondly remembered. The intricate details of luxury and high craftsmanship are best appreciated up close, a sentiment echoed by a new initiative, the UBS House of Craft x Dior exhibit. This traveling exhibition, debuting in New York, aims to celebrate and share excellence in artisanal skill, focusing on the illustrious history of the French maison, Dior, and its haute couture creations.

At the helm of this creative endeavor are legendary fashion editor Carine Roitfeld and acclaimed fashion photographer Brigitte Niedermair. They have collaborated on a special photo gallery to showcase the work of Dior's influential creative directors. The exhibit offers both public and private programming, providing an immersive journey into the world of high fashion. John McDonald, UBS's chief marketing officer and head of group branding and marketing innovation, explained that the initiative explores the work of six major creative directors from the esteemed haute couture house.

According to UBS, craftsmanship is a universal language, connecting disciplines from fashion to finance, and embodying values such as care, expertise, and enduring excellence across generations. McDonald highlighted why Dior was the ideal partner: "When we chose to spotlight fashion in this edition of UBS House of Craft, couture immediately stood out as the ultimate expression of craftsmanship within the industry. Dior, which has defined and redefined couture for over 80 years, was a natural choice." He added that Dior resonated with the UBS House of Craft mission to honor the people, processes, and enduring values behind exceptional craftsmanship. This fashion-focused event follows a previous UBS House of Craft collaboration with Hodinkee that celebrated watchmaking.

Carine Roitfeld shared her perspective, stating, "UBS brings the art of craft to the heart of their clients, and we bring the heart of fashion. It's about understanding who haute couture is for—and it resonates with their clientele." She emphasized the exhibition's unique approach, noting it was reportedly the first time in Dior's history that such a comprehensive retrospective was entrusted to creatives rather than traditional curators. Roitfeld, with her deep ties to Dior, considered the maison the obvious choice due to its unparalleled representation of French couture and craftsmanship. Niedermair's involvement was also key, given her creative vision and profound appreciation for craftsmanship, evident in her previous work with Dior.

The exhibition is hosted at the multi-purpose Halo venue in New York, featuring a circular space curving around an exterior fountain. Visitors are guided through the legacy of Dior's key creative directors, with displays incorporating archival elements like behind-the-scenes and runway videos, mood boards, and campaigns. Actual garments are presented on mannequins, alongside dramatic, large-format fashion photography (approximately 2x3 feet screens) styled by Roitfeld and shot by Niedermair, featuring models in pieces sourced from Dior's archives. These photographs bring to life iconic creations such as the Christian Dior Bar ensemble from Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1947 and the Yves Saint Laurent Rose rouge dress from Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1959.

Roitfeld described the meticulous process of selecting pieces for the show, a collaboration with Perrine, who oversees the Dior archives. "We collaborated closely with Perrine... to curate the looks and themes that truly captured each creative director's vision and place these choices within the broader cultural and historical moments of their tenure," she explained. This deep dive allowed for a rediscovery of iconic creations. While Roitfeld found it hard to pick a favorite among creative directors like Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri (plus a tribute to Kim Jones), she noted a particular rediscovery of Marc Bohan's impressive 28-year tenure and his Jackson Pollock-inspired dresses. She also expressed a lasting admiration for John Galliano's imaginative and artistically free contributions to Dior.

The event is designed to be engaging, featuring multiple panel discussions with Roitfeld, Niedermair, and Dior executives. Attendees also have the chance to witness artisans at work within the exhibition space at 28 Pine Street, initially open to UBS clients, followed by public access from June 6 through 8. In a philanthropic gesture, Roitfeld mentioned that "all the pieces will be auctioned for charity, supporting children and young adults aspiring to build a career in fashion."

Looking ahead, John McDonald revealed that the UBS House of Craft experience will continue to evolve, exploring new themes such as gastronomy and expanding to new locations, including Asia. "We aim to expand with each edition to celebrate excellence in its many forms," he stated, underscoring UBS's commitment to promoting craftsmanship worldwide.