Christian Dior: History and Modernity, 1947–1957

Arguably the most famous fashion designer of the twentieth century, Christian Dior created feminine fashions that were desired, worn, and emulated by women around the world. This lavishly illustrated volume explores the brilliance behind Dior's dramatic creations, which revived the entire Paris haute couture industry after the devastation of World War II. This volume features the Royal Ontario Museum's collection of Christian Dior couture, accompanied by sketches and material from Christian Dior Heritage along with photographs of the collection taken by world-renowned Dior photographer Laziz Hamani. In addition to showcasing Dior's most striking designs, from daytime to evening wear, the book examines how the lighthearted and contoured "New Look" swept away the gloom and gravity of the wartime silhouette, and explains the innovative dressmaking techniques behind key Dior signatures. Christian Dior is an essential read for anyone interested in fashion, art, culture, and history.