36.4 x 35 cm
368 pages
In 1947, Christian Dior presented his first collection, ushering in a new silhouette for women. After the austerity of the war years, the tight waists, full skirts and soft shoulders of the New Look embodied a revival of Parisian luxury. Paris regained its place as the global capital of fashion, and the name Dior became synonymous with haute couture.
For the coffee table book "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams," seventy of the most memorable looks by Christian Dior and his successors - Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri - have been specially selected and photographed in fascinating detail. These stunning designs are also featured in sketches, runway shots and fashion shoots by the world's greatest fashion photographers, including Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Cecil Beaton, William Klein, Helmut Newton, Patrick Demarchelier, Paolo Roversi, Peter Lindbergh, Mario Testino and Nick Knight.
Recurring themes from Dior's history are discussed at length: the concept of line and architecture in fashion; the influence of history and art (the Palace of Versailles, the Empire style, Impressionism, the Belle Époque, the Ballets Russes, Picasso, Dalí, Pollock); the use of color; the influence of gardens and landscapes as sources of inspiration; and, of course, the brand's muses and famous clients: The Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Princess Grace of Monaco, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Isabelle Adjani, Princess Diana, Marion Cotillard, Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lawrence and more.
