From Publishers Weekly
Dior "loved his dresses as though they were people: they were his creatures until the day when they left his house," writes Giroud, former French minister of culture, in the brief but informative biographical essay that forms the first part of this beautiful book. Van Dorssen's photographs, supplemented by now-historic pictures by Horst, Irving Penn, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Cecil Beaton and others (and nearly indistinguishable in style and beauty from those by the master fashion photographers), bear out Giroud's description, revealing the fine fabrics, stunning craftsmanship and dramatic design with which Dior revolutionized the fashion industry in the post-World War II years. Giroud relates that Dior founded his fashion empire with the advice of two clairvoyants and that he was a country farmer between his first and secondand more successfulstints as a designer in Paris, and demonstrates how Dior's licensing agreements set a pattern for all designers. The photographs document Dior's relations with the most glamorous women of his time and behind-the-scenes activities in the ateliers and at shows. Dior died in 1957, only 10 years after introducing his first collection, which featured the "New Look." But that brief career gripped the public imagination, and this well-designed book will remind readers why Dior's name is still synonymous with haute couture.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
To appreciate this work it is necessary to overlook the stilted translation, awkward captions, and lack of an index or bibliography, and move to the photographs, which document the House of Dior. Only 40 years ago Dior introduced his elegant lines to the fashion world; his designs are already timeless. The photos in Dior are important for this and because they represent some of the century's most dramatic fashion photography. Settings for Dior fragrances, etc., are included, along with portraits of the gowns and ensembles, and works of the "heirs apparent." A visual feast for collections emphasizing costume history. Sally R. Sims, Univ. of Maryland Coll. Park Libs.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
