Dior and Roses

Book excerpt: An exquisite look into the legacy of the rose at the House of Dior, from Christian Dior’s early passion for gardening to contemporary floral-inspired designs. Christian Dior discovered gardening at his childhood home in Granville, France. Roses profoundly influenced the designer, especially with his famous New Look aesthetic, where they were placed beneath the iconic corolla symbol. Published on the occasion of the exhibition at the Musée Christian Dior in Granville, this volume explores the rose’s importance in Dior’s history. The inspiration for Christian Dior’s flowery vision of femininity runs deep throughout the House’s collections; reinventions by subsequent artistic directors pay homage to Dior’s wish to design dresses for “flower-like women.” A focus on a new variety of rose, the Rose de Granville, underscores the perennial significance of the rose today—from inspiring Haute Couture creations to perfume making. This fascinating immersion in Dior’s universe continues with texts by experts Éric Pujalet-Plàa, Vincent Leret, and Brigitte Richart, accompanied by sublime photographs, including shots by the most acclaimed twentieth-century masters as well as contemporary photography.