UBS House Of Craft Arrives In Asia With An Exhibition Featuring Dior

For Zurich-based, leading global bank, UBS, “banking is our craft.” Inspired by this ethos, the company known for its expertise in wealth management, investment banking, and asset management launched the House of Craft in October 2024. The inaugural event showcased the fine art of watchmaking. The big idea, writes the UBS team, was to “co-curate with a master of craft and bring together both legendary and trailblazing leading voices from the craft offering UBS clients and the public a rare and exclusive opportunity to engage with masters of craft.”

Last June, UBS launched the UBS House of Craft x Dior in New York. The fashion and photography exhibition shone the light on couture and Dior’s enduring legacy of craft. Curated by Carine Roitfeld, the exhibition brings together the work of Dior’s past creative directors including: Monsieur Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri. A special tribute to Kim Jones has also been integrated into the program.

As the curator, Carine dove deep into the maison’s archives before selecting and styling looks that would best represent eight decades of pioneering work. “I wanted visitors to really feel the pulse of couture and to see that craft isn’t just nostalgia, but something alive, breathing through every stitch and silhouette,” says the French fashion editor and style icon. “Over its 75-year history, each creative director has reinterpreted Dior’s codes in their own way, keeping its timeless identity while constantly reinventing it with their own vision and craftsmanship.”

I wanted visitors to really feel the pulse of couture and to see that craft isn’t just nostalgia, but something alive, breathing through every stitch and silhouette

She admits that distilling and compressing eight decades was a tall order. “We chose pieces that best capture this dialogue across eras–sometimes even mixing them–like a jacket by Monsieur Dior with a John Galliano dress, which made these moments feel so special.”

Bridgette Niedermair, a long-time collaborator of the house and acclaimed visual artist, created the photo exhibition that captured the indelible looks from each of the creative directors. The rich, visual narrative underlined their distinctive languages and how they all meet at the intersection of Dior’s design codes. “This unveiling,” the UBS team notes, “born of Niedermair’s artistic direction and realized in collaboration with Carine Roitfeld’s refined styling, offers a thoughtful homage to Dior’s enduring legacy, casting a renewed light on the exceptional craftsmanship and visionary creativity that continue to define the House.”

Olivier Bialobos, Deputy Managing Director for Global Communications and Image at Christian Dior Couture and Parfums Christian Dior adds, “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. Carine Roitfeld’s passion and unique expertise, combined with the unrivalled talent of Brigitte Niedermair highlight at once our timeless heritage and our creativity that is constantly reinvented by the various designers who have succeeded Christian Dior. This artistic dialogue is a tribute to audacity and virtuoso artisanship, at the convergence of past, present, and future, in a perpetually shifting cultural landscape.”

Carine Roitfeld’s passion and unique expertise, combined with the unrivalled talent of Brigitte Niedermair highlight at once our timeless heritage and our creativity that is constantly reinvented by the various designers who have succeeded Christian Dior.

Following the successful run in New York, UBS House of Craft x Dior will now make its first stop in Asia, specifically in Singapore. From November 21 to 23, the New Art Museum Singapore (which is part of the Whitestone Gallery), will be home for an expanded edition of the exhibit. Carine elaborates, “For the Asian debut in Singapore, we added new elements, including five photographs by Brigette Niedermair, new archival gowns, sketches, and visual references inspired by the region. We also wanted the exhibition to go beyond the visual.” House of Craft x Dior will feature live craft demonstrations by Dior Atelier artisans. The event will also serve as a platform for shared discovery, connection, and dialogue.

For the Asian debut in Singapore, we added new elements, including five photographs by Brigette Niedermair, new archival gowns, sketches, and visual references inspired by the region.

According to Jin Yee, Co Head of UBS Global Wealth Management Asia Pacific and Country Head of UBS Singapore, the Lion City is an ideal destination for the Asian debut. “Singapore’s intersection of heritage and innovation provides a distinctive backdrop for celebrating craftsmanship at the highest level, sparking dialogue and discovery,” she expounds and ends, “We are delighted to partner with Dior and Carine Roitfeld to present the expanded exhibition, paying homage to the heritage of Dior and UBS as well as showcasing the precision, dedication, and artistry that define our own craft.”