UBS and Dior unite to celebrate the craft of couture in Singapore

When UBS and Dior first joined forces in New York City in June 2025, few expected a partnership between a wealth manager and a couture house to feel this natural. Yet, their shared appreciation for excellence and artistry made UBS House of Craft x Dior one of the most talked-about events in the city’s cultural calendar. Later this month, this collaboration arrives on our shores with an expanded version for its highly anticipated Asian debut.

Running from Nov 21 to 23 at the New Art Museum Singapore (part of Whitestone Gallery), the exhibition will showcase the creative evolution of the House of Dior through the eyes of its seven artistic directors — from founder Christian Dior to Maria Grazia Chiuri — alongside a special tribute to Kim Jones, Dior Men’s former artistic director.

Its curation and execution are the work of two creative powerhouses: Carine Roitfeld, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris and founder of CR Fashion Book, and Brigitte Niedermair, a longtime Dior collaborator whose photography examines the dialogue between identity, femininity, and art. Together, they present a visual narrative that explores how Dior’s legacy continues to evolve across generations.

While visitors will discover the defining looks, textures, and silhouettes that shaped modern couture, the programme also includes intimate talks, workshops, and panel discussions that explore couture’s relevance in an age driven by technology and change.

UBS House of Craft is part of the bank’s global initiative that celebrates mastery across disciplines — from couture to watchmaking and gastronomy. Another such event under this umbrella is the recently concluded horology-focused Icons of Time exhibition curated by Hodinkee’s Ben Clymer in New York.

As the upcoming show is in its final preparation stage, we speak with Jin Yee Young, co-head of UBS Global Wealth Management Asia Pacific and country head of UBS Singapore, on why this unique partnership with Dior is more aligned than one might think.

How did this collaboration happen?

It came about naturally through a shared commitment to excellence and creative innovation. UBS House of Craft is a global initiative that celebrates mastery across different disciplines, brought to life through our clients’ passions and interests.

Following our first edition on horology with Hodinkee in New York, which was also soft launched in Singapore last year, we wanted to explore a new facet of craftsmanship that embodies artistry and timelessness. Couture felt like the perfect next step as it represents one of the highest expressions of skill, creativity, and refinement.

Partnering with Dior was a natural choice. With over 80 years of redefining couture, Dior’s spirit of innovation and timeless elegance resonates deeply with UBS’s own legacy of precision, expertise, and enduring value. Together, UBS House of Craft x Dior celebrates the meeting of two worlds shaped by vision, care, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.

Why was Singapore chosen as the first Asian stop for this exhibition?

Singapore is an ideal backdrop for the Asia debut of UBS House of Craft x Dior. As one of the world’s leading financial centres and a key hub for UBS in the region, Singapore represents both the strength of our business and the vibrancy of our client community. It is one of our top two wealth management centres in Asia Pacific alongside Hong Kong, and also serves as our Southeast Asian headquarters for our investment bank, as well as our regional hub for foreign exchange, rates, and credit.

Beyond finance, Singapore’s rich history, cultural diversity and dynamic creative scene make it a natural place to celebrate craft at the highest level. The city embodies the same spirit of innovation, precision, and artistry that define both haute couture and UBS. In presenting this exhibition here, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering dialogue between culture and capital, and to celebrating the people shaping the culture of tomorrow.

Why does UBS invest in creative collaborations like House of Craft — spanning fashion, horology and gastronomy — when these seem far removed from banking?

We see craft as a powerful metaphor for what we do every day. Whether in banking or in the creative fields, true mastery requires dedication, precision, and a deep respect for tradition balanced with innovation. Our belief that “Banking is our Craft” underscores that excellence is achieved through care, expertise, and integrity built over time.

Our House of Craft initiative extends that philosophy beyond finance. It celebrates craftsmanship in its many forms, and connects with people who share our appreciation for artistry and excellence. These collaborations help to deepen our engagement with our clients and communities through shared values. Just as a couturier, watchmaker or chef creates something enduring through their craft, UBS strives to do the same — building relationships, value, and legacies that stand the test of time.

Why do you believe it is important for a financial institution to foster dialogues around craftsmanship, creativity, and heritage in today’s fast-changing world?

In a world that’s constantly evolving, the values embodied by craftsmanship are more relevant than ever. We believe these values transcend industries. Whether in finance or the creative arts, true mastery is about taking the long view: investing time, thought, and expertise to create something of lasting value.

Fostering dialogue around craftsmanship, creativity, and heritage allows us to pause and reflect on what it means to build with intention and balance innovation with integrity. These conversations also resonate deeply with our clients, who themselves are creators, collectors, and custodians of legacy. By championing craft and creativity, we affirm our belief that excellence is timeless, and that in both banking and art, what endures is not what’s fleeting, but what’s made with purpose and care.

How is this event expanded from the New York debut?

The Singapore debut of UBS House of Craft x Dior builds on the success of its New York premiere with an expanded and refreshed experience designed specially for Asia. Visitors can look forward to a more immersive exhibition and a richer programme of talks and encounters that bring Dior’s craftsmanship and creative heritage to life.

The exhibition itself has been significantly enhanced. It features a larger showcase of fashion and photography that highlights Dior’s historical dialogue with Asia. The Singapore edition also introduces new conversations and experiences. Among them is Framing Fashion: Brigitte Niedermair on Couture and Culture — an intimate dialogue with the photographer on how her lens explores identity, femininity, and culture through fashion.