Dior by Dior

I’ve recently become obsessed with Christian Dior. Not just the products but the man himself as well. I have been reading up on him and find we have a lot in common. So I recently picked up one of the few books he ever wrote, “Dior by Dior”. This short biography gives a fascinating look into what it took for him to create the Dior fashion house that we know today, as well as an in-depth look into the Paris Haute Couture scene of the 40s and 50s. Dior built his fashion house with what was called the “New Look” with his first collection in 1947. The book really details how he found himself creating his own fashion house and everything it took behind the scenes for him and his employees to create his first fashion show. Dior writes in such a fascinating and detailed way that you are instantly drawn into the book from the first chapter. It is too bad that he didn’t write more because he tells a story beautifully. He starts the story by writing about a childhood experience where a fortune teller told him he would be successful. Throughout his years he relied on psychics and fortune tellers to help him make decisions. He tells about the work he did for other designers before making the rash decision to start his own fashion house. He details the fortuitous finding of the location of Maison Dior on Montaigne Avenue in Paris, where it still stand to this day. He also gives us insight into how he picked his “worker bees” as he called his employees and the “mannequins” or models who showcased his clothes during his fashion shows. All in all, the story he weaves is intriguing and he ends the book with a more intimate peek into his own personal life. I would have loved to learn more about his personal side though. Too bad he never wrote more on that topic. If you are a fan of Dior, or even just fashion itself, I highly recommend this as it gives great insight into the work it takes to create a season of a fashion collection and how it is brought to life. I loved this book and will reread it again I’m sure.

It was really wonderful to learn many personal details about this fashion artist and the great house he founded. If you are even remotely interested in the history of high fashion you will enjoy this book.

This is a very interesting and insightful read. If you are interested in the background of one of the most iconic fashion houses, you will enjoy this book.

I'm just in the first 2 chapters, but I was hooked when I started the first sentence. Dior wasn't just one of the greatest designers of all time, but he was also a very able writer. The story of his life as a designer is fascinating. I highly recommend this book if you love Dior or if you're interested in the field of fashion design. It's excellent for fashion students as it gives a very clear idea of what it takes to start a "house" and all the work that goes into it. All very exciting, of course.

Some detail difficult for those of us not au fait with the fashion world to appreciate & understand. But overall worth reading & knowing

Beautiful!

So good to read from the Dior himself! I’ve always admired Mr Dior and I’m so happy I got to read his autobiography.

It's truly amazing to have the sense that Christian Dior is speaking intimately to you as he describes his life, career, thoughts and feelings, especially since we are separated from him by so many years and locale but not by our artistic passions! I admit I was surprised that a fashion designer could be articulate beyond trade jargon. Brilliant man. This book is a treasure! Loved it!