The Belle Époque Today: “Dare to Wear,” Glass Dresses by Diana Dias-Leão

The Walker Art Gallery

Fourteen dangerous dresses constructed of glass and two lethal barbed-wire corsets are the centerpiece of a new exhibit at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, England. The collection, created by Diana Dias-Leão, chronicles the artist’s experiences in the fashion industry as well as showcases her remarkable glass-making prowess.


More so sculpture than couture, the dresses represent Miss Dias-Leão’s belief that the attitudes of those in the fashion industry have put more of an emphasis on appearance than substance. With this collection of shimmering glass gowns, she hopes to encourage people to look past the trappings of fashion and view it as simply a covering for what’s really important.

This unique and attractive collection is on display at the Walker Art Gallery through the end of September. Admission is free; so, if you’re in the Liverpool area, you should definitely pay a visit.



Dare to Wear - About the artist from National Museums Liverpool on Vimeo.