Dior and His Decorators: Victor Grandpierre, Georges Geffroy and The New Look

'Brand image' and 'corporate identity' seem very modern and rather unromantic concepts, but Christian Dior, when he opened his couture house in Avenue Montaigne in 1947, realised the importance of giving to his vision a distinctive style. It wasn't just about creating a 'New Look' in haute couture. He knew he was selling a dream and wanted every woman to be able to share it, so that even if she could afford only a lipstick, a pair of stockings or a bottle of 'Miss Dior', some of the Dior magic came with it. Maureen Footer chronicles the development of the style, its historic precedents and the influence of Dior's decorators, Victor Grandpierre and Georges Geffroy, and his artist friends such as Christian Bérard.The fusion of 18th century elegance and mid-20th century glamour had an enormous influence on interiors, from Parisian apartments to country chateaux, and of course on Christian Dior's own houses. This influence continues today. Walk into any Dior boutique in the world and the style is familiar. The famous Dior grey, the lettering on packaging, the cartouche are still instantly recognizable. Perfection and harmony in every detail is the aim and the effect. An epilogue on 'modern romance' shows that we still have much to learn and enjoy from this approach. " The perfect tilt of a hat, the exact shade of blue, even a beguiling arrangement of flowers infuse texture and grace into every day, hour and minute". Isn't that delicious! The book is finely produced with sumptuous illustrations and Maureen Footer's text is a perfect match in style and quality, as if each word had been as carefully chosen and placed as a button on a 'New Look ' Bar jacket. An aesthetic feast for anyone interested in fashion history, interior design and style, to be enjoyed slowly, lingering over each delicious moment.Highly recommended.

Love the images in this book. Can't wait to fully read the story behind the images and get a better understanding of Christian Dior, but the images alone is worth the cost of the book.

I have collected many books on Dior, and have even a small vase made for his company found in an antique store during my travels. I am delighted with this book as so little has been written on the topic. There are other designer clients besides Dior talked about in this book about Grandpierre & Geffroy's work and it is a fascinating read. The illustrations alone are worth the purchase price!

I own over 1000 fashion books (my goal to own all published!), did I need to add another on Christian Dior, the answer is YES, when it is this extraordinarily researched and elegantly presented book by Maureen Footer. It is perfection and gives the reader a different slant of one of the most original and iconic of all fashion designers. Dior’s love for creativity in his fashion extends to his homes and salons and love of his gardens. Given the background of the elegant creators he worked with and Dior’s vision it becomes an intriguing story and the accompanying photographs are the icing on the cake. Adding to that icing an exquisite forward by another iconic influencer, Hamish Bowles. I do a monthly Fashion Book Club and this was a highlight of the series. Get this for yourself and for gifts, you will not be disappointed.

Questo e un libro fantastico, che ci fa capire altre dimensioni artistiche del grande Maestro. Oltre i vestiti, aveva un talento meraviglioso per la decorazione dei suoi interni.

Just a fascinating book about Dior and the two main interior decorators he worked with. Reading this book is like being transported back to an era where high fashion and interior really mattered. The book is filled with beautiful photos and illustrations but it’s not just another coffee table book you’ll never read because there are wonderful stories and insights.

Fantastically beautiful book about Christian Dior and the two talented interior decorators who created a series of grand and immaculate rooms for the French fashion designer. Lots of previously unpublished colour photographs, portraits of high society figures, and a highly informed text.