

Presented at Montreal’s McCord Museum, this major exhibition on Christian Dior explores the genius behind the spectacular designs that revived Parisian haute couture after the devastation of World War II. In 1947, the opening of the new haute couture house and the revolutionary “New Look” sounded the death knell for the male figure of the war years. Christian Dior’s creations are sought after, worn and copied by women all over the world, bringing together models from the rich Dior fonds in the permanent collection of the Royal Ontario Museum, a dozen outfits from the Costume, Fashion and Textiles collection from the McCord Museum and loans from Dior Héritage, the exhibition covers the period from 1947 to 1957 and paints a captivating portrait of the creative process and the inner workings of Parisian haute couture in the 1950s. It examines the iconic lines of the grand couturier, the luxurious fabrics and romantic embroidery which are the basis of the Maison’s worldwide success. From extraordinary formal attire to evening gowns and ball gowns, visitors will discover the exquisite tailoring, meticulous detail and luxury of this giant of the golden age of haute couture. From September 25th 2020 to January 3rd 2021.
Did you know downtown Toronto’s iconic Bata Shoe Museum? Designed by Moriyama and Teshima Architects, it is home to an unrivalled collection of over 13,000 shoes and related objects, covering over 4,500 years of history. If the world-class specialized museum was not unique enough, the story behind it will make you fully appreciate the eccentricity. Sonja Bata was an uncured shoe addict until the late 70s, when her private collection had outgrown the Bata’s home. In despair, her husband forced her to choose: it was either the shoes or their marriage. Surprisingly enough, she decided to create the Bata Shoe Museum which opened in 1995 and remained happily married. Arthur will let you decide which part of the story is fiction… Open Wednesday to Sunday.