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    The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman
    The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman
    The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman
    Ebook163 pages1 hour

    The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman

    By Christian Dior

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    About this ebook

    The bestselling fashion classic for both the style-conscious and the desperately in need. Christian Dior reveals the secrets of style in his indispensable guide that covers everything from what to wear to a wedding and how to tie a scarf to how to walk with grace.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherV&A Publishing
    Release dateFeb 1, 2011
    ISBN9781851777419
    The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman
    Author

    Christian Dior

    Christian Dior opened The House of Dior in 1946 and launched the 'New Look' in 1947. Dior brought the centre of the fashion world back to Paris, where he reigned over that world until his death in 1957

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    • 5/5
      Beautifully written. Of course, nothing but the best by Dior.
    • 5/5
      The book has to be good of course because its written by Christian dior.

    Book preview

    The Little Dictionary of Fashion - Christian Dior

    title page

    Contents

    Introduction

    A

    B

    C

    D

    E

    F

    G

    H

    I

    J

    K

    L

    M

    N

    O

    P

    Q

    R

    S

    T

    UV

    W

    XYZ

    Introduction

    Much has been written about Fashion, in all its aspects, but I do not think any couturier has ever before attempted to compile a dictionary on the subject.

    Of course, it would take volumes to cover the entire field of Fashion, but I have compiled a book which I think is neither too long, so that it becomes tedious, nor too short so that it seems insufficient, and I have called it my ‘Little Dictionary of Fashion’.

    I think it should be of great practical use to the women of today.

    Many people dismiss haute couture as being something that is only for those who are very wealthy.

    But 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. Find the colours that flatter you and emphasise your looks. Avoid the 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.

    Accent

    An accent is that little personal touch which makes a dress designed by a couturier your own dress. It is of great importance.

    The accent must always have the touch of your personality … The place you put a clip … The way you tie a bow … How you fold your scarf … The colour you choose for your flower …

    With your personal feeling no one can do it better than you … But, be careful, one accent is enough. And if you choose a colour accent, select it with great care – and remember that except in the hands of an expert two colours in one outfit is enough.

    … Accent, for lovely hands and a slender wrist … this many stranded necklace of anthracite beads is used with originality as a bracelet wound round and round the arm.

    Accessories

    They are so important to the well-dressed woman. The less you can afford for your frocks, the more care you must take with your accessories. With one frock and different accessories you can always be well turned out. But be always careful if you cannot have a complete set for each different colour.

    You must choose a colour that will match many clothes in your wardrobe.

    Unless you have a lot of money it is wiser to choose black, navy or brown for your accessories rather than a bright red or green.

    It is a question of care and taste.

    Don’t buy much but make sure that what you buy is good.

    … Accessories, are very important. Here an emerald green hat highlights a black suit. The leather-handled umbrella is from the Dior Boutique.

    Adaptation

    Be very careful of adapting any frock – or suit for that matter! When a frock has been created with much thought and care it is always very difficult to change the design without ruining it. It is always better if you can find another frock which is more convenient for you.

    Any change is always an event – and you never know quite what will happen!

    … Adaptation. Don’t adapt! Any alteration would completely ruin the beautiful line and perfect balance of this lovely Dior tweed suit.

    Afternoon Frock

    There is little difference in design between a day frock and an afternoon frock – but the material is usually a little richer.

    Of course you can wear a suit in the afternoon, too, but for later afternoon nothing is more useful than a frock which may be worn for cocktails or for dinner as well.

    Black is the best colour for it – in any material. If you can have only one afternoon frock I should always advise you to have it black.

    And the most useful design is a dress with a décolleté – and a bolero or spencer. Any sort of material is good – from wool to lace. Any sort of bodice, and any kind of skirt – slim or full, it depends on your figure and the kind of life you lead.

    Age

    As far as fashion is concerned there are only two ages – girlhood and womanhood.

    (There are also grandmothers – but it is only necessary to dress as a grandmother if you have a certain kind of figure and lead a certain kind of life.)

    You can dress to suit yourself – and therefore your age – but this does not mean that you have to wear clothes that make you look old.

    There is a slight difference in a woman’s way of dressing before and after marriage, too. I would not advise anyone to wear big jewels and expensive furs before marriage.

    … Age. Simple and elegant, this charming suit in brown wool is ideal for the ‘older woman’. Dior accents it with a tiny hat in vivid

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