The Little Dictionary of Fashion

Description

Christian Dior’s own A-to-Z of elegance. “Elegance must be the right combination of distinction, naturalness, care and simplicity.” With that famous maxim, the couturier who revolutionized post-war fashion with his 1947 “New Look” opens The Little Dictionary of Fashion — first published in 1954, part style manual and part personal philosophy.

This charming alphabetical guide distills Dior’s wisdom from “accent” to “zest”: how to choose accessories, why grooming matters more than ornament, what to wear for every occasion, and how good taste outlasts every trend. Written in Dior’s witty, authoritative voice, it remains a captivating time capsule of 1950s Parisian elegance — reissued by V&A Publishing for new generations. First published in 1954, this handbag-sized classic — illustrated with period photographs and drawings — distills his three fundamentals: simplicity, grooming, and good taste.

For fashion lovers, designers, and anyone who believes style is a way of life: timeless rules from the founder of the House of Dior, straight from the atelier. A handbag-sized classic.

“Elegance must be the right combination of distinction, naturalness, care and simplicity.” With that famous maxim, Christian Dior — the couturier who revolutionized post-war fashion with his 1947 “New Look” — opens his delightful Little Dictionary of Fashion, first published in 1954.

Part style manual, part personal philosophy, this charming A-to-Z guide distills Dior’s wisdom on everything from “accent” to “zest”: how to choose accessories, why grooming matters more than ornament, what to wear for every occasion, and how good taste outlasts every trend. Written in Dior’s witty, authoritative voice, it remains a captivating time capsule of 1950s Parisian elegance — reissued by V&A Publishing for new generations of readers.

Inside, Dior shares:

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• Timeless rules: his three fundamentals of fashion — simplicity, grooming, and good taste.
• Practical advice: alphabetical entries on blouses, hats, jewelry, suits, evening wear, and more.
• Couture wisdom: guidance from the founder of the House of Dior, straight from the atelier.
• Vintage charm: a handbag-sized classic illustrated with period photographs and drawings.

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For fashion lovers, designers, and anyone who believes style is a way of life, The Little Dictionary of Fashion is as indispensable today as it was seventy years ago.