From June 6 to 8, 2025, the heart of New York City’s Financial District was transformed into a tribute to fashion and finesse as Dior and UBS joined forces for the “UBS House of Craft × Dior” exhibition. Held at 28 Pine Street, this captivating showcase opened its doors to the public, celebrating 80 years of Dior’s influence in haute couture while emphasizing the shared values of precision, legacy, and excellence between the two iconic institutions.
A Celebration of Timeless Craftsmanship
The exhibition invited visitors to experience the meticulous artistry behind Dior’s historic and contemporary couture designs. Free and open to the public, the event aimed to foster appreciation for the rare craftsmanship and enduring creativity that define the house of Dior. Designed to be immersive and educational, the exhibition featured not only garments but also behind-the-scenes insights into the making of couture, offering a rarely seen look into the ateliers of one of the world’s most storied fashion brands.
Curated by renowned fashion visionary Carine Roitfeld, the exhibit presented a sweeping view of Dior’s stylistic evolution. It featured a selection of standout looks from each of the brand’s seven artistic directors, from Christian Dior himself to the current creative leads in women’s and men’s lines. Each look was reinterpreted and styled by Roitfeld and captured by photographer Brigitte Niedermair, bringing the archival pieces to life in a modern context.
Immersive Panels and Artistic Dialogue
Beyond its stunning visuals, the event fostered dialogue through a series of intimate panels and workshops with designers, curators, and fashion leaders. These sessions tackled major themes in fashion today, including sustainability, women’s leadership, innovation in materials, and the evolving relationship between couture and technology.
One highlight was the “From Curation to Creation” panel, which featured Roitfeld and Niedermair discussing the thought process behind reviving and reinterpreting Dior’s fashion legacy. Another insightful session, “Inside Dior Heritage,” explored the maison’s archives and their role in guiding future designs, while “The Craft of Couture” brought voices from Dior’s own atelier to the forefront, offering hands-on narratives of pattern-making, embroidery, and tailoring.
These discussions drew attendees ranging from students to industry professionals, each keen to understand what makes couture a living art form. The panels provided a dynamic exchange of ideas that highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing high fashion in an era of rapid technological and cultural shifts.
A Partnership Rooted in Precision and Legacy
The partnership between Dior and UBS may seem unconventional at first glance—a fashion house and a financial institution. Yet, both organizations are bound by a mutual dedication to excellence and craftsmanship. Whether in tailoring a bespoke gown or crafting a financial strategy, the pursuit of precision, innovation, and client-centered excellence is central.
UBS, known for its heritage of client trust and expert advisory, leveraged this event to underline its broader commitment to the arts and cultural engagement. The House of Craft initiative is part of the bank’s global efforts to support artisanship and creativity, aligning seamlessly with Dior’s legacy of artistry and detail.
Event Details and Public Reception
Over the course of three days, 28 Pine Street welcomed a steady stream of fashion enthusiasts, students, industry insiders, and tourists alike. The space was elegantly transformed to reflect the ethos of both Dior and UBS: clean lines, attention to detail, and a reverence for legacy.
Exhibition hours ran from noon to 6 p.m. each day, giving visitors ample time to view the stylized garments, read historical timelines, and attend the scheduled panels. Registration was required, but admission remained free, emphasizing accessibility and cultural enrichment.
Many attendees praised the event for its unique blend of fashion history and contemporary conversation. For some, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness Dior’s most iconic creations up close; for others, it sparked a deeper interest in the intersection of luxury and innovation.
Looking Ahead
The “UBS House of Craft × Dior” stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of craftsmanship in a fast-changing world. As fashion continues to evolve, events like this remind us of the timeless value embedded in tradition, creativity, and collaborative excellence. Whether on the runway or in a boardroom, true craftsmanship continues to inspire and transform.