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Dior by Dior: The Autobiography of Christian Dior
Christian Dior rocketed to fame with his first collection in 1947 when
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2007
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2,402 people want to read
About the author
Christian Dior
58Ìýbooks68ÌýfollowersChristian Dior was an influential French fashion designer, probably best known as the founder of one of the world's top fashion houses Dior. He was born in Granville, Normandy, a seaside town off the coast of France. Dior flagship boutiques are found in Paris, Milan, Rome, London, New York, Beverly Hills, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Boston, Honolulu, San Francisco,São Paulo, Seoul, Madrid, Barcelona, New Delhi, and Shanghai.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 20, 2019
In honor of a big exhibit of Dior at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, I thought I would try to read a few of the books about and by Dior. This one, Dior's autobiography, was published in 1957 and translated by Antonia Fraser. How I wish I had read this in high-school, when I was trying to make sense of the fashion industry. It all seemed so "big city" and too gossipy for me as I sat reading Women's Wear Daily in the library. However, if I had read this, I would have realized an introvert from rural Normandy with manners, resolve, and the ability to put all parts together for his own use. This slim book details how he went to the city, he didn't follow in his parents desired path, he drew ideas, believed in quality, and just felt lucky. The end result was a large worldwide couture fashion house that has persisted for 80 years. The book contains many good quotes, which also help you understand fashion history. Here are a few:
-It is one of the great secrets of haute couture that a well-cut dress is the dress that contains the least cuts.
-Fashion is above all a question of line; from the shoes to the hat, the silhouette must be viewed as a whole.
-Couture is the marriage of design and material. There are many instances of perfect harmony--and there are a few of disaster.
I was surprised too, that he would only draw (for days steadily), then hand the drawings to his staff to make, and that there were so many dead ends, so many styles thrown away. Every detail was important. It was just like any other draft in all arts or life: you try something, and if it doesn't work, you either redo it, keep building on the draft, or throw it away. Life takes extreme pluck.
He died seven years after he wrote this book, so he wrote this with his wisdom of 52 years, including wars, economic upheaval, and great change. You can see his many pitfalls and meanderings as he went through life. The book is divided into four sections: a short synopsis of his beginnings, from the idea to the dress, how daily life worked inside the fashion house (the clients, the shows, the mannequins, expansion internationally), and finally, his own inside summation of his life and how he views himself. I heartily recommend this book, if only to see the early workings of a fashion house, so you can compare to fashion today and see little underpinnings of the bits that still survive in today's fashion. Photos included.
-It is one of the great secrets of haute couture that a well-cut dress is the dress that contains the least cuts.
-Fashion is above all a question of line; from the shoes to the hat, the silhouette must be viewed as a whole.
-Couture is the marriage of design and material. There are many instances of perfect harmony--and there are a few of disaster.
I was surprised too, that he would only draw (for days steadily), then hand the drawings to his staff to make, and that there were so many dead ends, so many styles thrown away. Every detail was important. It was just like any other draft in all arts or life: you try something, and if it doesn't work, you either redo it, keep building on the draft, or throw it away. Life takes extreme pluck.
He died seven years after he wrote this book, so he wrote this with his wisdom of 52 years, including wars, economic upheaval, and great change. You can see his many pitfalls and meanderings as he went through life. The book is divided into four sections: a short synopsis of his beginnings, from the idea to the dress, how daily life worked inside the fashion house (the clients, the shows, the mannequins, expansion internationally), and finally, his own inside summation of his life and how he views himself. I heartily recommend this book, if only to see the early workings of a fashion house, so you can compare to fashion today and see little underpinnings of the bits that still survive in today's fashion. Photos included.
February 14, 2021
I decided to give Dior's autobiography 4 stars instead of 5 because of all the name dropping, which at times got confusing and made me want to skip whole paragraphs. However, I loved discovering the differences between CD the couturier and the introvert behind the famous name.
December 27, 2019
An interesting look at the creative process in couture, and a lot of name dropping. I mean A LOT. I couldn't keep up with all of the people listed. It wasn't much of a biography, but that was okay. I was really hoping for a few more personal anecdotes, but he says over and over again in the book that he's a shy, quiet man, not given to entertaining or humorous chats.
December 31, 2024
There was A LOT of name dropping which made it hard to follow. That being said, it was an interesting read. More so focused on the ins and outs of couture and his experience as a fashion designer vs other aspects of his life
March 26, 2025
Merci beaucoup Dior, for all that you brought to the world that is haute couture, for your devotion to woman's revolutionary and your art that awakens many sensations in a world that is seen as superficial but really speaks a thousand leaguages that evokes without having to speak.
May 14, 2024
Eén van de beste mode boeken die ik ooit heb gelezen. In het boek gaat Christian Dior in op de start van Dior en de ontwikkeling van een collectie. Per hoofdstuk word je een stap verder meegenomen in dit proces, het is inspirerend om te zien hoe persoonlijk en tegelijkertijd statisch dit verloopt. Ook is het opvallend hoe weinig er is veranderd binnen Couture huizen maar tegenwoordig de perceptie heel anders is. Mode is altijd een vorm van expressie geweest maar de moderne klant geeft er een andere waarde aan.
Mijn favoriete hoofdstuk gaat over de “dress rehearsal�.
Voor dit hoofdstuk nodigt Dior een vriend uit die niks weet van mode maar haarfijn de sfeer kan aanvoelen. Hij legt als buitenstaander uit hoe een fitting er aan toe gaat. Naast de prachtige woorden die hij hier aan geeft kan je als lezer zelf ook even de modebubbel ontsnappen en ervaren hoe dit er voor ander publiek uitziet.
Mijn favoriete hoofdstuk gaat over de “dress rehearsal�.
Voor dit hoofdstuk nodigt Dior een vriend uit die niks weet van mode maar haarfijn de sfeer kan aanvoelen. Hij legt als buitenstaander uit hoe een fitting er aan toe gaat. Naast de prachtige woorden die hij hier aan geeft kan je als lezer zelf ook even de modebubbel ontsnappen en ervaren hoe dit er voor ander publiek uitziet.
May 20, 2017
like not love... not much biography..rather a very detailed description of the creative process of couture... you are warned about this at the start of the book. Christian Dior is surely great inspiration but he didn't make me rush to the book before coffee in the morning .. Alexander McQueen managed.
August 1, 2023
Better than I expected it to be. The structuring and flow of this book is fantastic. I’ve been introduced to a whole new world via his account. Recommended summer read.
April 16, 2025
his insights about fashion & couture are so fascinating in this. i love how much he loved the people in his team. also makes me want to go to a psychic (his was right about everything!)
May 16, 2021
Honestly- I was not sure what to expect from this- but WOW, incredible and inspiring. Really recommend it.
July 13, 2017
Richly packaged in gray, white and pink "Dior by Dior: The Autobiography of Christian Dior" is the one book every fashion lover should read and everyone else can learn from if they care to. Grouped into four parts chronicling the beginning of the couture house to the personal thoughts of the designer the journey Dior described in 1957 is just as relevant to me now as I navigate through a challenging era as a fashion/feature writer. Like him I have a vision of how well people can look if they're given a clear idea by a genius with a good eye and attractive alternatives. On that level I connected as strongly with "Dior by Dior" as "The Little Dictionary of Fashion," and use it accordingly.
If I'm trying to draw an elegant high fashion model in a fitted suit I study the illustrations and photos, in this book to inspire me and if I want to know what a couturier goes through when creating a collection I re-read Chapter Six "From the 'Toile' to the Dress". In 2017, it's become debatable whether we can dress ourselves or need a helping hand, but I do know when I'm in a sartorial spot or a stranger asks me about clothing or shopping I know we do.
If I'm trying to draw an elegant high fashion model in a fitted suit I study the illustrations and photos, in this book to inspire me and if I want to know what a couturier goes through when creating a collection I re-read Chapter Six "From the 'Toile' to the Dress". In 2017, it's become debatable whether we can dress ourselves or need a helping hand, but I do know when I'm in a sartorial spot or a stranger asks me about clothing or shopping I know we do.
October 19, 2007
Christian Dior wrote this 'memoir' in the early 50's and it's very interesting, but not for obvious reasons.
One, he pretty much goes right into the world of Dior, by talking about the models and what they do, the fashion shows and how they are set up, and the role of clients - plus a rant or two regarding thief in the fashion world.
What the book doesn't talk about is his private life - which I know nothing about. You get his view point on Los Angeles (doesn't like it too much), San Francisco (likes that city) and his time in New York.
It's a very 'dry' book, yet it is fascinating inside look in what a fashion designer does and what he does in the context of his company - and how that's set up.
A must for fashion lunatics!
One, he pretty much goes right into the world of Dior, by talking about the models and what they do, the fashion shows and how they are set up, and the role of clients - plus a rant or two regarding thief in the fashion world.
What the book doesn't talk about is his private life - which I know nothing about. You get his view point on Los Angeles (doesn't like it too much), San Francisco (likes that city) and his time in New York.
It's a very 'dry' book, yet it is fascinating inside look in what a fashion designer does and what he does in the context of his company - and how that's set up.
A must for fashion lunatics!
January 31, 2021
Wow- this was a BOOK. I have been making my way through the V&A Fashion Perspectives autobiographies, with some hits and some misses. However, I am glad that I saved this- Dior by Dior is simply perfect. Dior takes you through the history of the house (only a few years old at the time of writing), the entire design and showing process, and even briefly into meetings with Princess Margaret and others. I think that this is exactly what I wanted out of this series- a bit of their early life and story, with a heavy dose of their fashion career. (Made even better by my memories of the 2019 Dior exhibition at the V&A!)
February 6, 2024
While this book isn’t the easiest read- full of French sayings to translate and sections with an overwrought writing style- the rest is pure delight! A true time capsule of when it was written (1957), this book has interesting insights into the world of couture at that time, unique viewpoints of different time periods in France and a fascinating take on a Frenchman’s view of doing business in America. Such a fun book and I learned so much!
October 29, 2017
Though some consider this book's lack of personal anecdotes a shortcoming, I consider it its greatest strength. When one thinks of Dior they think of the grandest fashion house to ever exist, not of the man who gave it its name. A detailed, comprehensive, sometimes humorous look into the world of couture, Dior by Dior is a fascinating read for all interested in the world of high fashion.
March 23, 2019
So many words and so little information. I love design and sewing and hoped to be pulled in to his story, but it was not good. Book club at the Dior exhibit (Denver Art Museum) with insider information from Ann Lambson was, on the other hand, amazing.
July 21, 2012
For any woman obsessed with the fashion of the House of Dior, this is an insightful and fascinating read.
October 19, 2019
Loved learning more about Christian Dior especially after seeing his collections at the Denver Art Museum.
September 17, 2022
I love learning about the iconic fashion industry and the big brand name designers. I watched a documentary of The Dior House so I wanted to learn a little more about the man behind the name of Christian Dior.
This book was an autobiography. While I was expecting something a little different in this book it did provide some insight into just how extensive it is to build a collection. This book focused more of the process from the beginning to the end of a collection. It took my brain a while to realize that when he spoke of mannequins he wasn't talking about the plastic displays we see in stores but of real people.
It was pretty amazing seeing how through all the chaos that happens from the start of a dress to the final moment when the model walks it around to display. It was interesting to see how he took measures against imitation of his designs.
He didn't seem entirely enthralled when he visited America. Of course it was a totally different lifestyle and the way he talked about how the Americans differ from the French women I almost gathered he wasn't that thrilled with the American womem. He stated that "The American woman tends to spend money on the collective need to buy. Whereas Europeans buy because it's beautiful or good workmanship." Since I can't speak for that time period it does seem as if that is still true today. Although it leads me to think is this a jab at the American women?
There were a lot of dry parts in the book which got to be a tad boring and had me skimming paragraphs.
Overall I wished it would of involved a little bit more about himself personally. The last few chapters delved a little bit deeper into himself as a person. I did enjoy learning about just how hard and difficult it is to design and make couture clothing. It was a bit of nice breath of fresh air that in this book there were no scandals like the Gucci family or even Chanel.
This book was an autobiography. While I was expecting something a little different in this book it did provide some insight into just how extensive it is to build a collection. This book focused more of the process from the beginning to the end of a collection. It took my brain a while to realize that when he spoke of mannequins he wasn't talking about the plastic displays we see in stores but of real people.
It was pretty amazing seeing how through all the chaos that happens from the start of a dress to the final moment when the model walks it around to display. It was interesting to see how he took measures against imitation of his designs.
He didn't seem entirely enthralled when he visited America. Of course it was a totally different lifestyle and the way he talked about how the Americans differ from the French women I almost gathered he wasn't that thrilled with the American womem. He stated that "The American woman tends to spend money on the collective need to buy. Whereas Europeans buy because it's beautiful or good workmanship." Since I can't speak for that time period it does seem as if that is still true today. Although it leads me to think is this a jab at the American women?
There were a lot of dry parts in the book which got to be a tad boring and had me skimming paragraphs.
Overall I wished it would of involved a little bit more about himself personally. The last few chapters delved a little bit deeper into himself as a person. I did enjoy learning about just how hard and difficult it is to design and make couture clothing. It was a bit of nice breath of fresh air that in this book there were no scandals like the Gucci family or even Chanel.
September 17, 2022
I picked this book up at a Giant Tiger store over the summer. I knew very little of Christian Dior, other than his name and work and its importance to women's fashion. I found Part Two of the book to be of the most interest, where he described his creative process in depth "from the idea to the dress". I also found his take on the American market very compelling, if a little eerie to read sixty-five years later. Dior opened his first U.S. store in New York in 1948/49 and it was an entirely different world: "Like all Frenchmen, I had been struck by the amazing, stunning richness of the United States. Wastage there seemed not only natural but actually recommended as an essential factor to the prosperity of the country." Additionally he writes, "I also had to take into account the almost prohibitive customs duties imposed by America, which although she preached commercial expansion, only expected herself to benefit, with the selfishness of a child who only plays to win."
Dior's life was not without struggle or loss, and what he achieved in only ten years is quite remarkable. He clearly loved fashion as art, and a form of expression, and he wanted to create clothing that made women feel attractive. His commitment to his craft was quite staggering, often drawing several hundred sketches in a few days when working on a new collection. His writing is interesting and he seemed very aware of his own shortcomings. He is quick to give credit to his friends, fellow designers, and the models who supported him along the way. His sense of humour is also evident and I found myself wondering what he would think of fashion today, and how he would have adapted to the industry had he lived longer. A fun read about an interesting person.
Dior's life was not without struggle or loss, and what he achieved in only ten years is quite remarkable. He clearly loved fashion as art, and a form of expression, and he wanted to create clothing that made women feel attractive. His commitment to his craft was quite staggering, often drawing several hundred sketches in a few days when working on a new collection. His writing is interesting and he seemed very aware of his own shortcomings. He is quick to give credit to his friends, fellow designers, and the models who supported him along the way. His sense of humour is also evident and I found myself wondering what he would think of fashion today, and how he would have adapted to the industry had he lived longer. A fun read about an interesting person.
February 18, 2022
This autobiography turned out to be very educational for me -- not as much about Dior himself, but about the world of haute couture. I now have an understanding of how fashion houses are built, the insanely complex process of turning sketches/ideas into dresses, all the people who make the house a success, the workmanship and materials, the relationship with the press and clients... it's amazing and crazy. Dior was an artist and an architect. I admire his attention to detail and obsession with craftsmanship. It seems like he surrounded himself with a very talented and dedicated staff. Considering his success, he wrote this autobiography in a modest and humble tone. I really enjoyed it up until the last two or three chapters when it turned into a lot of name dropping. His life had so many twists and turns... he was affected by war in France, had to move several times, experienced financial hardships, had to support his struggling family, had to serve in the military, at times did not have a permanent place to live or consistent meals... he really lived a full life. I also appreciate that his career did not develop until later in life. He did not start his fashion house until his 30's (if I recall correctly), which goes to show that we don't have to 'peak' in our 20's. He was much older (at least by modern standards) when he really decided what he wanted to do with his life and experienced success. I'm excited to see the Dior exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
"I must bring myself, however reluctantly, to describe that other Christian Dior, in short, myself. Self-portrayal is always difficult. I wonder if one ever really knows oneself?" (177).
Dior by Dior is many things: beautifully written, surprisingly insightful, and way ahead of its time. However, I would not describe this book as an autobiography.
Those interested in learning more about the man behind Christian Dior might be disappointed to find that he rarely writes about himself here—but that's just the type of man he was. After reading this book, I have such a newfound respect for this introverted and reserved man who redefined fashion. His admiration of women is also so refreshing, "The world is wonderfully full of beautiful women whose shapes and tastes offer an inexhaustible diversity" (73). His opinions on fashion were similarly inspiring and greatly needed in the current climate of fast-fashion and microtrends, "What alarmed me most in the course of my stay in the United States was the habit of spending enormous sums of money in order to achieve so little real luxury...The American woman, faithful to the ideal of optimisim which the United States seem to have made their rule of life, seems to spend money entirely in order to gratify the collective need to buy" (54).
Definitely one of my favorite books I've read this year, and I know I'll be reflecting on it for years to come.
Dior by Dior is many things: beautifully written, surprisingly insightful, and way ahead of its time. However, I would not describe this book as an autobiography.
Those interested in learning more about the man behind Christian Dior might be disappointed to find that he rarely writes about himself here—but that's just the type of man he was. After reading this book, I have such a newfound respect for this introverted and reserved man who redefined fashion. His admiration of women is also so refreshing, "The world is wonderfully full of beautiful women whose shapes and tastes offer an inexhaustible diversity" (73). His opinions on fashion were similarly inspiring and greatly needed in the current climate of fast-fashion and microtrends, "What alarmed me most in the course of my stay in the United States was the habit of spending enormous sums of money in order to achieve so little real luxury...The American woman, faithful to the ideal of optimisim which the United States seem to have made their rule of life, seems to spend money entirely in order to gratify the collective need to buy" (54).
Definitely one of my favorite books I've read this year, and I know I'll be reflecting on it for years to come.
July 29, 2019
Interesting literary work by a fascinating designer. At times he seems quite humble, but at others he seems extremely smug. Still it was interesting to read about how the world of haute couture actually works, or at least worked, in his time. Like many things that are taken for granted, the process is much more involved and complicated than I had realized. I don't think that I would recommend it for general interest reading, but for those who follow the world of fashion, I would think that they would find this book, written in his own words, to be quite fascinating. It is published by the V&A Museum in London, which I had the good fortune to visit with my girls a couple of summers ago. It is a premier museum of art and design, and the girls and I went to visit its fashion and textiles collections, and, in particular to see an exquisite exhibit on another fashion designer, Balenciaga. Currently, the V&A is hosting an exhibit on Dior---I assume that it is much like the recent Dior exhibit that showed at the DAM.
June 4, 2019
Autobiography written by Christian Dior. This book primarily focuses on Dior's journey from a boy who loved the arts to becoming a world renown couture designer in Paris. The story is interesting, and he goes into great detail about how a dress goes from an idea to the moment the model steps out on the runway. It certainly is a tedious production. He is meticulous in describing the roles of those in a couture house, his line expansion, and the architecture of houses that he lived in from the early days of his boyhood until the time he wrote this book. I am not a detailed person. For those who love this type of detail and appreciate couture and architecture, they should love the book. What was lacking in the book was a sense of Dior the man.
January 13, 2020
I first got this book after going to the Philadelphia Art Museum and seeing a high fashion exhibit. While it wasn’t the first high fashion exhibit I’ve attended I was fascinated and floored. I spent about 2 hours reading every plaque and taking it all in. And let’s be real, anyone who knows me knows I’ve always wanted to be Lauren Conrad. I picked this book thinking I wanted to educate myself and learn more about a topic that’s always interested me. I found this one kind of hard to follow at times. I would have appreciated a key that translated some of the words in italics. I was interested to learn what kind of a person he was and what brought him into the world of fashion. I will continue to explore this interest and try more books written by designers.
October 27, 2021
Christian Dior (1905�1957) a devenit faimos cu prima sa colecție în 1947, când „New Look� a luat lumea cu asalt. Această autobiografie fermecătoare oferă o perspectivă fascinantă și detaliată asupra funcționării unei mari case de modă, dezvăluind în același timp viața omului din spatele casei de modă. Este, de asemenea, un portret unic al unei case haute couture clasice din Paris din anii 1950. Dior detaliază copilăria sa la Granville, familia și prietenii cei mai apropiați de el, și cei mai grei ani și succesele sale bruște, precum și sursele sale de inspirație și procesele creative.
February 11, 2025
As an iconic fashion house, Dior has a rich history, and I was eager to explore its origins through this book. While it offers glimpses into the world of haute couture, it leans heavily on name-dropping and lacks a clear structure.
The design process is touched upon only superficially, leaving little insight into the deeper inspirations behind Dior’s creations or the motivations that shaped the brand. I had hoped for a more personal and reflective account of Dior’s life and creative vision, but unfortunately, this book didn’t quite deliver on that front.
The design process is touched upon only superficially, leaving little insight into the deeper inspirations behind Dior’s creations or the motivations that shaped the brand. I had hoped for a more personal and reflective account of Dior’s life and creative vision, but unfortunately, this book didn’t quite deliver on that front.
June 8, 2018
Delightful and such fun to hear about Dior's design process. Super interesting to think about how 'high fashion' has changed - read his story more as a blueprint for how a small designer today could run a line (and I know of several who do) with his producing two collections a year, going on retreats to the country, working with the same teams, etc.
A bit sad, though, as one wonders constantly throughout his evasive of lovely writing about himself, whether he was ever in love.
A bit sad, though, as one wonders constantly throughout his evasive of lovely writing about himself, whether he was ever in love.
July 7, 2022
This books gives 3 really well captured accounts: of how Dior became a couturier, how the process of couture collection looked like in his time from start to finish, and his autobiography.
In a short piece he was able to provide a lot of information. It gives a glimpse into his inspirations and creative process, all the people who influenced him and worked with him, life of his 'mannequins ', and more.
I enjoyed reading it.
In a short piece he was able to provide a lot of information. It gives a glimpse into his inspirations and creative process, all the people who influenced him and worked with him, life of his 'mannequins ', and more.
I enjoyed reading it.
September 1, 2022
A little bit of autobiography, a little bit of history, and a WHOLE LOT of information on running a couture house. I loved the detailed explanation on the creative process behind Maison CD, and the difference between the timid and introverted Christian Dior, and Christian Dior The Couturier. However there was a lot of name-dropping which could be boring at times.
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