American Dior by Kate Betts

Christian Dior was an influential French fashion designer, best known as the founder of one of the world's top fashion houses, also called Christian Dior. He lived the American dream. From the first time he set foot in New York, the legendary designer had a special relationship with the United States, and he may even be more important in America than in France.
 American Dior, the 168 pages-book, published by Assouline, contains detailed drawings of the elaborate foundations, images of the New Look collection and more. With the introduction of the New look, Dior became American fashion's ultimate agent provocateur playing on the country's appetite for newness and for French savoir-faire. His collection revolutionized women's dress. His designs were more voluptuous with the use of fabrics lined with percale, bustier-style bodices, hip padding, wasp-waisted corsets and petticoats, giving his models a very curvaceous form. Dior used to say that his client would be "the most elegant woman in the world," which proved to be true, dressing an A-list of American icons such as Lauren Bacall, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Elisabeth Taylor among them.

Images courtesy Assouline

American Dior is available at Assouline