Christian Dior: History and Modernity, 1947-1957

Christian Dior: History and Modernity, 1947 – 1957

Hirmer Verlag / Thames and Hudson

No matter if you are a fashionista or completely detached from the world of haute couture, chances are you will have come across Christian Dior and his creations in some shape or form with him being on the forefront of the most influential fashion designer of the last century.

Specifically when it comes to creations for the ladies, his more often than not dramatic creations are a sight to behold and it was time for an opulently illustrated tome like the one in front of me to find its way into my collection.

With a focus on what informed Dior’s approach to design and him almost single handedly infusing what was left after the second world war with new life blood.

Based on a collection curated by the Royal Ontario Museum, original sketches and great photographs, the book documents how Dior’s design endeavours evolved from humble beginnings to the creation of couture that counteracted the doom of gloom of WW II’s aftermath.

For the uninitiated, it will be interesting to learn about Dior specific techniques, pattern layouts and fabric information that are employed for dress making as well his impact on the wider art landscape and other seemingly unconnected scenes realms of the fabric of modern-day culture.

Very thoroughly researched and with great attention to detail, this has instantly become one of my favourite books on fashion design, especially regarding the era between the 1940s and 1950s.