The name of the French designer Christian Dior resonates in fashion still today. Christian Dior: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Master is a beautiful new book — a celebration of a man whose life was as remarkable as the clothes that he created, brought to life on the page by the expert hand of Megan Hess.
Today, you can read a short, edited extract from Christian Dior and take a look at some of Megan Hess’ exquisite illustrations. Read on …
Christian Dior
The name Christian Dior is synonymous with fashion. The man who spawned the New Look, the classic Bar Suit and the Miss Dior fragrance revolutionised the way women dressed in the 1940s and 50s, becoming one of France’s most famous sons in the process.
A relatively late bloomer, Dior burst onto the fashion scene in 1947 aged forty-two, but he quickly became one of the most influential couturiers the world has ever seen. He conceived of silhouettes that paired creative vision with technical precision and his designs were the height of feminine opulence.
As a designer, Dior sold a dream of complete extravagance and beauty, but in fact he was no stranger to poverty and pain.
Born into a wealthy family during a golden era for France, Dior led a remarkable life punctuated with ups and downs – from the Great Depression and two world wars, to family tragedy and illness. Through his experiences of hardship and austerity, Dior never lost sight of the importance of creativity and elegance.
A private man who stood reluctantly in the spotlight and was intensely superstitious, Dior was also an astute businessman. He took his designs from a small workshop in the heart of Paris and created a vast enterprise with an international audience within the space of just a decade.
Even today his legacy is almost unrivalled. The Christian Dior spirit has endured for over seventy years under the guidance of the six incredible designers who have succeeded him. Each of them has left their own mark on the brand and ensured the name Dior remains at the very heart of style.
It is time to discover a truly extraordinary man who lived through one of the most tumultuous times in history and changed the course of fashion forever.
—This is an edited extract from Christian Dior by Megan Hess, published by Hardie Grant Books.
Christian Dior
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Christian Dior: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Master is a stunning illustrated biography of legendary designer Christian Dior from internationally renowned fashion illustrator Megan Hess.
Discover the key moments of Dior's fascinating life and iconic items from the fashion world that he created. Dior's love of flowers, creativity, femininity and good-luck charms were woven into everything he designed...
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