Nine dresses on view in the Christian Dior Designer of Dreams exhibition
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East Meets West in Fashion: Sheikha Moza and Dior

22 March 2022

By Mohammed Al Thani

Among the more than 100 designs included in Christian Dior Designer of Dreams is a royal lineup of classic gowns and skirt suits customised exclusively for Her Highness.

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One of Qatar's most prominent figures, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has spearheaded social and educational reforms in Qatar and around the world for many years through her ground-breaking initiatives in education and youth development, including Qatar Foundation, Education Above All and Silatech.

In her many state visits and public events, Her Highness remains true to her core values of representing Qatari heritage. Her style melds Eastern and Western cultures in a beautiful combination of faith and fashion, with arresting head-to-toe pieces and fine delicate adornments created by world-renowned designers. Visitors to the exhibition Christian Dior Designer of Dreams at M7 have a chance to see nine exclusive pieces that embody both cultural fidelity and individual aesthetics. Her Dior ensembles commemorate Middle Eastern contributions to the history of the Christian Dior Catalog, and global fashion history.

Christian Dior by John Galliano, special creation from Spring-Summer 2010 Haute Couture collection

A prominent look that encapsulates the East and West dynamic is the astonishing Christian Dior Spring-Summer 2010 Haute Couture dress, a special creation by John Galliano. Executed in green wool crepe and embroidered olive-green silk faille; Her Highness wore the dress during an official state visit to the UK in 2010. Additionally, Her Highness’ designers took further steps to complete the full look by adding a green head wrap, diamond earrings, a gold necklace to complete the look.

Dior dress in green wool crepe and embroidered olive green silk faille

Photo: © Laziz Hamani

Christian Dior by John Galliano, special creation from Spring-Summer 2011 Haute Couture collection

A look on a similar colour scale is the special creation of Christian Dior’s Spring-Summer 2011 Haute Couture collection. Also created by John Galliano, the exquisite dress is made out of silk satin and tulle. Her Highness wore the dress during an official state banquet in New Delhi, India in 2012. Final touches on this look included a matching coloured head wrap, with matching gemstone earrings and a clutch to add flair.

Dior dress in silk satin and tulle

Photo: © Laziz Hamani

Andorre, Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Haute Couture Autumn-Winter 2017

Elegantly simple dress consisting of neutral colours, this dress was the creation of Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Haute Couture, Autumn-Winter 2017 collection. Inspired by the Andorre from the design of Autumn-Winter 1951, Her Highness wore this dress during a special reception at Al Wajba palace to celebrate the opening of National Museum of Qatar in 2019. The modest silhouette features a geometric textile pattern inspired by Islamic art.

Dior dress ensemble with a coat in embroidered lace and dress in tulle

Photo: © Laziz Hamani

Mohammed Al Thani is a Digital Editorial Coordinator at Qatar Museums.