“Craftsmanship” is the key concept that connects the seemingly distant worlds of fashion and finance. Bringing this shared value to life is the upcoming event, “UBS House of Craft × Dior,” taking place from June 6 to 8, 2025, at 28 Pine Street in New York City. Hosted by Swiss financial institution UBS, and presented in partnership with the iconic French maison Dior, the exhibition will offer a multi-sensory experience of haute couture’s artistry and beauty.
This showcase aims to transcend the conventional boundaries of fashion by blending Dior’s long-standing artisanal heritage with UBS’s commitment to timeless values and future-oriented thinking. Through a modern curatorial lens, the exhibition reinterprets more than 80 years of Dior history, offering visitors a rare and innovative opportunity to engage with haute couture at its highest level.
A Historic Retrospective Featuring Dior’s Seven Creative Directors
A central highlight of “UBS House of Craft × Dior” is its unprecedented retrospective of all seven of Dior’s creative directors—a first in the brand’s history. From Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent to Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri, the exhibition revisits each era’s distinct vision and aesthetic. It also includes a special tribute to Kim Jones, the creative director of Dior Homme.
The project is curated by Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris and founder of CR Fashion Book. With direct access to Dior’s archives, she selected and styled some of the maison’s most emblematic looks spanning eight decades of history.
The photography was handled by Brigitte Niedermair, a longtime collaborator with Dior. Through her lens, the archival pieces transcend their original context, taking on new life within a contemporary visual framework.
New York: A City Close to Dior’s Heart
The choice of New York as the exhibition’s location is no coincidence. The city held a special place in Christian Dior’s heart, and his affection for it was frequently reflected in his designs. The exhibition’s setting deepens the dialogue between the maison and the city’s cultural legacy.
Within the venue, actual archival garments are displayed alongside large-format editorial visuals styled by Roitfeld and photographed by Niedermair. Highlights include the iconic 1947 Bar suit and a crown-accented gown from John Galliano’s Fall 2004 couture collection—both offering visitors an intimate view of Dior’s design precision and craftsmanship.
Finance Meets Fashion—The Future of Craft
Through this initiative, UBS seeks to redefine the concept of “craft” beyond its traditional associations, highlighting the intersection of heritage and innovation.
John McDonald, Group Chief Marketing Officer at UBS, commented: “At UBS, craft is more than a concept—it’s a reflection of how we care for our clients and their ambitions, through dedication, excellence and a combination of heritage and vision.”
Olivier Bialobos, Deputy Managing Director for Global Communication at Dior, added:
“Above all, this alliance is a celebration of excellence, haute couture elegance, and the exceptional savoir-faire deployed by Dior since the triumph of the New Look in 1947.”
A Platform for Cultural Expansion Through Craft
“UBS House of Craft” launched in 2024 with an inaugural event in New York focused on horology. Partnering with watch publication Hodinkee, UBS hosted a showcase featuring Jaeger-LeCoultre and A. Lange & Söhne, including live demonstrations, panel talks, and exclusive displays that celebrated the art of timekeeping.
Following this, the program is set to expand into gastronomy and markets across Asia. Collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs and master artisans from diverse cultural fields are under consideration. Though the themes may vary, the core philosophy remains the same: “craft as the precise, human-made creation of enduring value.” UBS positions this concept as parallel to its own investment philosophy—valuing time, experience, and intentionality.
This Dior exhibition represents a pioneering initiative within the broader expansion of UBS House of Craft into the fashion sector. From a business perspective, it is also worth closely observing how this kind of cross-sector branding and cultural strategy will continue to evolve in the future.
UBS House of Craft × Dior
Event Dates: June 6–8, 2025
Location: 28 Pine Street, New York City
Admission: Free (registration required)
Details and registration: https://ubs.com/HoC
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