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Product Description
Woman and Home, 2007
`We love The Little Dictionary of Fashion'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
In Style, 2007
'It's 60 years since Christian Dior invented 'the new look' - here's some of his straight-talking advice that still holds true'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
From the Introduction:
"...it is possible for a woman to be elegant without spending very much money on her clothes, if she follows the basic rules of Fashion and is careful to choose the clothes that suit her personality.
Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money.
First you must study yourself. Learn to know what suits you and what does not. And study your own needs..."
So Christian Dior begins this little book, which is suitably chic in a grey fabric binding with lettering in pink and silver and a white satin ribbon to mark your place. The illustrations are classic black-and-white photographs and line drawings from Dior's decade, showing a selection of his loveliest ensembles, complete with hats and perfect makeup. This is not a comprehensive manual of style, but a sparkling collection of observations on everything from Accent ("that little personal touch which makes a dress designed by a couturier your own...) to Zest ("There is no beauty that is attractive without zest"), with plenty in between.
He loves, among other things, black ("the most popular and the most convenient and the most elegant of colours...I could write a book about black...), bows, checks, grey, knitwear, perfume, pink, quality, red, silk, velvet, white, wool and exclusivity (...your way to be exclusive is to be yourself").
He dislikes include (surprisingly) darts, dyed hair, too-high heels ("vulgar and hideous"), nonsense ("trick fashions - designed only for publicity's sake"), and extravagance.
This is a lovely introduction to Dior, whether you are a student of fashion or just want to know a little more about one of the most glamorous designers of the twentieth century. But beware: it might make you want to change the way you dress!
"...it is possible for a woman to be elegant without spending very much money on her clothes, if she follows the basic rules of Fashion and is careful to choose the clothes that suit her personality.
Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money.
First you must study yourself. Learn to know what suits you and what does not. And study your own needs..."
So Christian Dior begins this little book, which is suitably chic in a grey fabric binding with lettering in pink and silver and a white satin ribbon to mark your place. The illustrations are classic black-and-white photographs and line drawings from Dior's decade, showing a selection of his loveliest ensembles, complete with hats and perfect makeup. This is not a comprehensive manual of style, but a sparkling collection of observations on everything from Accent ("that little personal touch which makes a dress designed by a couturier your own...) to Zest ("There is no beauty that is attractive without zest"), with plenty in between.
He loves, among other things, black ("the most popular and the most convenient and the most elegant of colours...I could write a book about black...), bows, checks, grey, knitwear, perfume, pink, quality, red, silk, velvet, white, wool and exclusivity (...your way to be exclusive is to be yourself").
He dislikes include (surprisingly) darts, dyed hair, too-high heels ("vulgar and hideous"), nonsense ("trick fashions - designed only for publicity's sake"), and extravagance.
This is a lovely introduction to Dior, whether you are a student of fashion or just want to know a little more about one of the most glamorous designers of the twentieth century. But beware: it might make you want to change the way you dress!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book was originally published in 1954, so it covers the period which is now termed Dior's New Look period as well as a few years later on.
This little book is a primary fashion source, in that it was written by a top designer about his own contemporary issues. This is not a fashion overview or retrospective, or a fashion etiquette book. This book reflects what was considered fashionable at the time -- at least by Dior himself -- with the subtitle: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman.
Dior comes across as a man who had very fixed ideas about how women should dress, consequently, some of his advice seems dictatorial at times, especially modern times; however, there is a lot of common sense to many of his 'rules' as well. He certainly promotes the idea that 'less is more' and restricts what he considers ideal dressing to only two colours at a time, simple lines, good tailoring, restrained use of jewelry, etc. I suppose even today, this kind of advice is worth taking.
His introduction includes the following philosophy: "Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing, and these do not cost money. Study your own needs. Find the colours that flatter you and emphasise your looks. Avoid colours that do nothing for you. Choose clothes that are simple in line, and pay great attention to their fit. And above all -- care for your clothes. You cannot be well groomed if your clothes are not well cared for."
The book is organised by subject, in alphabetical order. "Chiffon, Coats, Cocktail Frocks, Collars, Colours, Corduroy, Cosmetics"...etc. Each section is concise, and some of the sections are illustrated in black and white.
The only reason I've given this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that, throughout, I could really have used many more illustrations. Furthermore, many of the outfits illustrated are only shown half or 3/4 length, meaning you can't see the complete outfit. This means you can't see what kind of shoes the models are wearing, or even the length of their skirts. These illustrations are the originals, so it's not the fault of the reprint -- but it's certainly annoying not to be given the total picture!
This book is fun if read as history, and also offers a few pointers which can certainly be taken on board today. I recommend it to anybody who wants a genuine window on what was considered the height of fashion 60+ years ago.
This little book is a primary fashion source, in that it was written by a top designer about his own contemporary issues. This is not a fashion overview or retrospective, or a fashion etiquette book. This book reflects what was considered fashionable at the time -- at least by Dior himself -- with the subtitle: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman.
Dior comes across as a man who had very fixed ideas about how women should dress, consequently, some of his advice seems dictatorial at times, especially modern times; however, there is a lot of common sense to many of his 'rules' as well. He certainly promotes the idea that 'less is more' and restricts what he considers ideal dressing to only two colours at a time, simple lines, good tailoring, restrained use of jewelry, etc. I suppose even today, this kind of advice is worth taking.
His introduction includes the following philosophy: "Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing, and these do not cost money. Study your own needs. Find the colours that flatter you and emphasise your looks. Avoid colours that do nothing for you. Choose clothes that are simple in line, and pay great attention to their fit. And above all -- care for your clothes. You cannot be well groomed if your clothes are not well cared for."
The book is organised by subject, in alphabetical order. "Chiffon, Coats, Cocktail Frocks, Collars, Colours, Corduroy, Cosmetics"...etc. Each section is concise, and some of the sections are illustrated in black and white.
The only reason I've given this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that, throughout, I could really have used many more illustrations. Furthermore, many of the outfits illustrated are only shown half or 3/4 length, meaning you can't see the complete outfit. This means you can't see what kind of shoes the models are wearing, or even the length of their skirts. These illustrations are the originals, so it's not the fault of the reprint -- but it's certainly annoying not to be given the total picture!
This book is fun if read as history, and also offers a few pointers which can certainly be taken on board today. I recommend it to anybody who wants a genuine window on what was considered the height of fashion 60+ years ago.
Format:Hardcover
This is a well written little Dior guide - feels 1950 ish in the way it is written - so feels authentic. a fun little book for the fans of Dior Couture.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Emy
This book is a bit boring. I mean dictionary kind of boring and not that useful in my opinion. You could have it on the coffee table and show it off to your female friends but it... Read more
Published 7 months ago by EMY
A great book more complex than expected.
This is a good book that could be kept for years and still be of use. I thought it would be more detailed but however that may be a positive for some. Read more
Published 11 months ago by M. Withers
Fashion Dictionary
Bought as a present for my Neice who is studing Fashion and she informs me that it has become a very valuable item in her studies
Published 16 months ago by Mrs. M. E. Melhuish
Great book
This is a lovely little book for a fashion fan. It's quite quaint, as it has strict ideas about womens fashions such as wearing matching hats and gloves! Read more
Published 17 months ago by fash-ion-ista
Ideal Present for your Fashionista Friends
I bought this for a number of friends for Christmas. Add this to a Dior Lip gloss and you have an ideal pressie for your fashion princess friends who have everything. Read more
Published on 4 Feb 2009 by C. Algie
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