Dior by Dior: The Autobiography of Christian Dior (V&A Fashion Perspectives)

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.

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 designersof 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 youlove 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 whatit takes to start a "house" and all the work that goes into it. All very exciting, of course.

Read the last chapter first, it is the most personal and really is the most beautiful to read. Its the only chapter that really talks about his life and what led up to him becoming a fashion designer. The rest is covered very faithfully in the documentary, Dior and I. (Interestingly "Raf" has announced he is parting ways with the House of Dior the day before I wrote this review!) However, if you've seen the documentary, after reading the book, you realize, the way things were done then vs. now hasn't seemed to change much which I did not realize so that was very interesting to learn. It is a beautiful little book and I will cherish it always.

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.

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.

The insights into the principles of great design and flawless craft are told with sincerity by Dior. His unique timing in the France of both wars was star studded with the iconic persons of the 20th century art revolutions. His contribution to women and the beauty of women is deeply sacred and profoundly rich.

This is a charming autobiography but I must admit, I would rather read it in French. This translation comes off as a bit precious.

Interesting overall story, short because of his death so early in his life.