Biography On Christian Dior Released

Odes to fashion powerhouses seem to be the norm these days. Following the recent news of next year’s retrospective exhibition on Karl Lagerfeld’s life at the Bundeskunsthalle Museum in Bonn, Germany is the release of Monsieur Dior: Once Upon a Time. The book, an initiative by British writer Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni, chronicles the ten years of Christian Dior’s leadership at his eponymous fashion house.

Expect more than just a detailed chronology of Dior’s eminent contributions to fashion and the establishment of his long-living brand a mere decade prior to his death. The book also touched on the scenic views that inspired Fraser-Cavassoni when she paid a visit to Dior’s Granville, Normandy home in France and the environment that, according to her observations, moulded the man known for creating a fashion empire in a short span of time.

Adding to the book’s appeal are her interviews with other famous names who knew him, such as fellow designers Pierre Cardin and Jacqueline de Ribes, actress Olivia de Havilland and Women’s Wear Daily former editor John Fairchild. In short, it’s a riveting literary tribute that divulges the inspirations behind an inspirational man.

“This book was a joy to work on because it captures what was a very happy time for so many people,” Fraser-Cavassoni said in an interview with Forbes. “I interviewed so many fascinating people who attested to this, like actress Lauren Becall, who described it as a magical era.”

Making things more interesting are nostalgic photographs contributed as accompanying visuals by legends the likes of Cecil Beaton, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Lord Snowdon, and Willy Maywald. Also adding to this historical account of Dior are never-before-published materials from the Dior Archives.

“He failed in the art business twice, but all the mistakes he made there helped him succeed in the fashion world,” Fraser-Cavassoni enthused further. “In just ten years, the fashion house became a global star, which is extraordinary considering there was no internet.”

Monsieur Dior: Once Upon a Time is Fraser-Cavassoni’s latest work. Her previous works include Sam Spiegel, Tino Zervudachi: A Portfolio and Dior Glamour.