UBS House of Craft is collaborating with Dior and Carine Roitfeld to bring a global series dedicated to the artistry of couture.

The multiday program will be held from June 3 to 8 and will honor the pinnacle and evolution of fashion craftsmanship, bringing fashion and photography exhibits and a series of programming to Manhattan’s Financial District.

Dior opened up its archive to Roitfeld, who curated looks for the UBS House of Craft across Dior’s eight decades of leadership. She selected and styled looks from all seven of the house’s creative directors: Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferre, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri. Kim Jones for Dior Men will also be included.

In collaboration with photographer Brigitte Niedermair, the visual journey highlights each designer’s perspective and impact on Dior’s legacy.

Niedermair has a long-standing relationship with Dior, most recently photographing their 2025 cruise campaign. In 2022, a Dior coffee-table book offered an in-depth look at the decades-long relationship between Dior and Niedermair.

Roitfeld told WWD, “For the first time in Dior’s history, all seven of its creative directors — eight, including Kim Jones — will be brought together in a single exhibition, and I was really lucky to have taken part in it. What resonates most with me in this exhibition is the image of Lindsey Wixson, wearing a blend of an archival Galliano dress and the iconic Bar jacket by Monsieur Dior. That perfect fusion is the very definition of what fashion truly represents.

“I’m so proud to share this project that’s at the heart of UBS House of Craft with Brigitte, an extraordinary artist who not only honors the legacy of the past but brings a visionary, modern perspective to everything she touches. I hope visitors will come away with a deeper understanding of the House of Dior, its exceptional craftsmanship, and the genius of the designers who have shaped its legacy.”

House of Craft, which was launched last October, is a global initiative celebrating excellence in craft across diverse disciplines, from horology and fine wines to vintage cars, fashion and design. The initiative offers a rare and exclusive opportunity to engage with masters of craft. Through intimate events, behind-the-scenes experiences, exhibitions and master classes, UBS House of Craft looks to foster meaningful exchanges, inspiring collaborations and unique insights.

In an interview with John McDonald, group chief marketing officer and head, group brand and marketing innovation at UBS, he explained why the bank launched the craft concept. He noted that in April 2023, UBS sought to develop a new brand positioning following the acquisition of Credit Suisse, and after many months of testing and research they landed on this new Craft concept.

“Craft has become the lens through which we articulate who we are and what we do for clients,” McDonald said. They launched their new campaign around the world in January 2024, and House of Craft was born “as a brand experience platform that could help bring to life with partners how craft is so influential in many other industries.”

At first glance, he said, “People might wonder ‘why is a bank talking about craft?’ But it’s us trying to tie together this story of expertise, passion, heritage and innovation and how that is so integral to a multitude of industries, some which are incredibly important to our clients,” McDonald said.

He said UBS’ clients are very passionate about art, couture and horology. “Being able to bring together our clients and the public to experience craft and talk about craft and to feel inspired by the many things you can achieve when you dedicate yourself to a craft, is something we feel really strongly about and excited about,” McDonald said.

UBS launched a preview House of Craft last September in the horology space with Hodinkee “which was a massive success and got great feedback from clients and Hodinkee.

“What we’re doing with Dior in June is a rollout of that concept,” he said.

Roitfeld, the founder and editor in chief of CR Fashion Book and previously the editor in chief of Vogue Paris who has consulted for many leading fashion brands, is the curator of the experience. Niedermair has photographed 35 new shots featuring legacy and modern silhouettes, which has made Dior what it is over the last 80 years. They collaborated on the silhouettes, the gowns and the sketches that will also be highlighted at the event. “People will get an incredible insight into the craft of Dior and the legacy of the brand,” McDonald said.

The event is also an ode to the deep fascination Christian Dior had with the city and its landscape, which was often reflected in his designs. The multiday event, which takes place at 28 Pine Street in New York, includes a two and a half-day preview for UBS clients from June 3 to 5 and a public event June 6 to 8.

The experience will showcase craft (gowns, photography exhibition and sketches), as well as talks from thought leaders and spokespeople from Dior. Several senior Dior executives will participate in sessions at the UBS House of Craft including Olivier Bialobos, chief communication and image officer, Christian Dior Couture and Parfums Christian Dior; Marisa Pucci, chief communications officer, Christian Dior Couture and Parfums Christian Dior, and Alexandra Winokur, head of Christian Dior Couture Americas, with Dior brand ambassadors and friends of the house also in attendance.

Registration will be available to the public at ubs.com/hoc. The hours of the public opening are noon to 6 p.m., and free. The speakers for the Dior event will be revealed soon. The bank anticipates hundreds of clients will attend, in addition to the public.

Depending on the feedback they get, they’ll probably do another version of this in areas such as horology and gastronomy.

Asked how UBS benefits from this collaboration, McDonald said, “Number one, we believe craft matters. Championing craft and building associations of partners who share that belief and expertise in passion and a commitment to excellence is really important to us. Secondly, we’re very client-centric. And our clients are passionate about a range of things. Some are passionate about couture, some are passionate about horology. We tend to be where our clients are and create experiences for our clients around their passion areas,” McDonald said.

Explaining why they chose Dior for their first couture one, McDonald said, “I think the 80 years of history speaks to us. Yes, it’s the passion, expertise and skill. There’s something very meaningful about working with a brand who’s done it decade after decade after decade and continues to commit to that craft and create compelling couture work in that period. It’s that combination of legacy and the way they’ve been able to stay relevant.”