Dior Couture [Hardcover]

Ingrid Sischy (Author), Patrick Demarchelier (Photographer)

Book Description

Release date: November 16, 2011

Dior is one of the most revered names in fashion, the archetype of the Parisian couture house. Famous for launching the “New Look,” Christian Dior’s landmark first collection that marked a sea change in women’s dress after the Second World War, Dior is known today for its exquisite couture line of dramatic dresses. 

This book comprises a portfolio of portraits of over one hundred incredible gowns from the entire era of Christian Dior haute couture, including dresses designed by Dior himself. All of the images were shot by Patrick Demarchelier, known for his exquisite fashion portraits that grace the pages of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and many other magazines. 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...far and away the most gorgeous book on the house..." ~The New York Times

"Dior Couture immortalizes one of the most important and long-lived couture houses in the world and is a book that anyone with an interest in fashion will want for their library." ~Huffington Post

"Books such as this are rare and should be considered a must for any fashion library and certainly for anyone with a serious interest in fashion as an art form."~New York Journal of Books

About the Author

Dior was started in Paris by designer Christian Dior in 1946. In addition to haute couture, Dior also produces ready-to-wear, men’s couture, accessories, and perfume. Patrick Demarchelier is one of the best-known fashion photographers in the world. His work appears in top fashion magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and Marie Claire. He also shoots advertising campaigns for couture houses, including Dior, Chanel, YSL, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein. Ingrid Sischy is the former editor-in-chief of Interview magazine and the international editor for Vanity Fair’s European editions. 

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli (November 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847838021
• ISBN-13: 978-0847838028
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 1.3 x 12 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #105,093 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Arts & Photography > Fashion > Designers

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Not really a new light on Dior December 26, 2011

By Bklynbased

Format:Hardcover

I had this book on my wish list and was excited to receive it as a present, the descriptive as representing Dior's greatest couture gowns shot by Demarchelier intrigued me , I anticipated Christian Dior,Yves Saint Laurent ,Bohan ,Ferre and Galliano, sewn together . Unfortunately it's really all Galliano, I would have loved to see the full expression of the brand over 60+ years, not 80 % Galliano,Christian Dior day wear and some late afternoon cocktail, the Bar suit..... for the 100th time.... yes we all know that one, beautiful revolutionary for its time but... clearly nothing of interest from Bohan and Ferre ..... there are so many gowns that have not been included and are still available in collections.... and unfortunately what felt like just a couple of tunics by Bohan... really, the guy was there for 30 years and commercially Dior's most successful couture designer........ and Ferre ,known for reinterpreting the giant ball gown at Dior... The photography is beautiful, the print quality is excellent, but I feel the final editorial choice is disappointing, and spoke more to friends helping friends than a need to enlighten , I would have liked to have seen a new facet, an aha moment by juxtaposing these great names, a fresher opinion that threads together over 60 years of such a storied brand. I would give it 5 stars for the photography but only 2 for the fashion content.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Dior Couture March 2, 2012

By Lilly Ford

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a beautifully produced book showing lots of Dior's stunning garments.
The book itself is really huge and thick and loaded with hundreds of full page color & b/w stylish photos printed on high quality paper. The book is also text-free and the photos are accompanied with captions revealing the dates of the various illustrated collections.
My only criticism is that I hoped this book would chronicle all the designers who collaborated with the house of Dior along with showing more of Christian Dior's original pieces, however, like most of the books produced on Dior, this one is no exception where it is heavily focusing on John Galliano. Granted he is talented but other designers are also worth documenting, besides, I personally don't really like the creative direction of Dior since Galliano took the helm.
But with that being said, I recommend this book as a fine addition to any fashion library.
N.B. the book entitled Dior and published by Assouline on the occassion on the 60th anniversary is the closest definitive illustrated account on the House of Dior, highly recommended. Dior

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning December 1, 2011

By Evelyn

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is just a beautiful book. The photographs by Demarchelier are stunning - they make me want to grab my camera and start shooting. It is definitely a feast for the eyes and the coffee table.