Inspiration Dior: Coffee Table Inspiration

I rarely buy coffee table books because they tend to be more expensive than the regular good ol' book.  This book is one of the few I have.

Inspiration Dior.  I got a glimpse of this magnificent exhibit held at the Pushkin Museum though a newsletter in which when the link was clicked it took the viewer through a breathtaking 3D interactive tour of the exhibit.  For those who can't be in Russia at that time, the virtual tour was the next best thing.  And so is this book.

This book chronicles the evolution of the House of Dior: the fashion, silhouettes, and inspirations, the perfume bottles, bags, and jewelry.  It also tells us a little bit about Mr. Dior and how a small cast-iron shaped into a star spurred him on to his legacy.

Dior paved the way for femininity to once again take over over the masculinity that enveloped women's fashion.  And until the current time that house keeps on redefining the feminine to be more relevant in today and tomorrow's masculine and androgynous mainstream.

Overall, this huge book is packed with photographs of Dior's best dresses and gowns that rocked their time. It is expensive and I cannot say if it is worth the price but those looking for fashion inspiration will enjoy this visual feast.

Book:  Inspiration Dior

Pages:  327 (including captions and acknowledgements)

Publisher:  Abrams

Price:  PHP 5,625

Available at:  Fully Booked (check for availability)

♥

Dior and Marie Antoinette

"She as yet knew nothing of the crown but its flowers..."

-Marquis de Segur on Marie Antoinette, 1783

Marie Antoinette
Antonia Fraser

This book was the second book I've read about the life of Marie Antoinette.  It was a pleasure to read a biography that is empathetic to her.   Her growth from a frivolous girl into a self-controlled and nurturing woman is moving.  Her life inspired, whether for love or hate, peers, writers, painters, revolutionaries, historians.  Her style inspired designers and stylists, even regular people who loves to dress up. 

She is one of Dior's perpetual inspiration.  From the couture Mr. Dior himself created to the 254 Bleu de Paris eyeshadow quint, she is continuously celebrated.