Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams
A celebration of elegance, craftsmanship, and imagination, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams became the most visited exhibition in the V&A’s history, attracting over half a million visitors during its extended run. Fraser Randall was proud to support the museum’s vision, acting as Project Manager, Cost Manager, and Principal Designer, helping to bring this extraordinary collaboration to life.
Working alongside the V&A, the House of Dior, and French scenographers Agence NC, Fraser Randall played a central role from the earliest stages, setting the programme and cost framework, managing complex logistics, and ensuring the detailed coordination needed for a project of this scale and profile.
The exhibition presented over 500 objects – from rare haute couture garments and accessories to original photography, illustrations, and Dior’s personal possessions, weaving together 71 years of history. Visitors were taken on an immersive journey, beginning at 30 Avenue Montaigne, where Dior’s story began, and culminating in a breathtaking mirrored ballroom. Here, a rotating central platform showcased striking couture pieces, surrounded by projected showers of golden glitter and starry night skies.
Delivering such a rich, AV-heavy exhibition within a historic museum setting demanded careful leadership. Fraser Randall managed a diverse team of contractors, consultants, and client-appointed specialists, ensuring seamless communication and coordination throughout. We attended all offsite contractor meetings, maintained a regular site presence, and worked closely with the V&A and Dior teams to adapt to the tight programme, including build periods spanning the Christmas shutdown.
One highlight was the floral room, celebrating Dior’s lifelong love of flowers. Here, paper artists Wanda Barcelona, collaborated with main contractor Setworks to create a delicate, cascading installation suspended from a custom-designed grid structure. Other trusted collaborators, including Anamorphee, La Méduse, François Austerlitz, and Matthieu Blaise, added layers of detail across digital media, lighting, and graphics – with Fraser Randall ensuring that every creative element was integrated smoothly into the wider programme.
Faced with the inevitable challenges of value engineering at this level, Fraser Randall worked closely with all teams to protect the exhibition’s vision without compromising quality. Completed on time and within budget, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams stands as a quiet testament to what can be achieved when creativity and precision meet. This remains one of the most iconic exhibitions ever staged at the V&A.
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