In pictures: Headlining Dior gowns showcased at London exhibition

Christian Dior has for years, been everyone’s favourite couture label. From Princess Margaret's 21st birthday gown to actress Jennifer Lawrence's red carpet dress in which she won an Oscar, Dior outfits have headlined almost every important event.

‘Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams’ now takes a close look at the history of the luxury brand he founded in 1946 and which remains the epitome of haute couture. On display at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, almost 500 items, crafted by the couturier will be on display. 

The museum will be open from February 2. 

"Not only did (Dior) ... revolutionise fashion design ... but he was also important in how he did business," Oriole Cullen, Fashion and Textiles curator at the V&A, told Reuters.

"His business model was very much something which is still in use today. He wanted to look globally and at different markets."

One of the earliest outfits on show is Dior's signature Bar suit: a sculpted off-white jacket synched at the waist and black pleated skirt. The 1947 design revolutionised womenswear and was dubbed Dior's "New Look".

Another highlight is the gold straw embroidered silk bodice and full-skirted gown Dior designed for Britain's Princess Margaret's in 1951. She wore the gown for her official 21st birthday portrait.

Dior died at the age of 52 in 1957. The label was taken over by a young Yves Saint Laurent who was followed by successive creative directors Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferre, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri, at the helm since 2016.