Christian Dior - The little dictionary of fashion

Much has been written about Fashion, in all its aspects, but I do not think any couturier has ever before attempted to compile a dictionary on the subject.

Of course, it would take volumes to cover the entire field of Fashion, but I have compiled a book which I think is neither too long, so that it becomes tedious, nor too short so that it seems insufficient, and I have called it my Little Dictionary of Fashion.

I think it should be of great practical use to the women of today.

Many people dismiss haute couture as being something that is only for those who are very wealthy.

But it is possible for a woman to be elegant without spending very much money on her clothes, if she follows the basic rules of Fashion and is careful to choose the clothes that suit her personality.

Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money.

First you must study yourself. Learn to know what suits you and what does not. And study your own needs. Find the colours that flatter you and emphasise your looks. Avoid the colours that do nothing for you.

Choose clothes that are simple in line and pay great attention to their fit .

And above all care for your clothes. You cannot be well groomed if your clothes are not well cared for.

An accent is that little personal touch which makes a dress designed by a couturier your own dress. It is of great importance.

The accent must always have the touch of your personality The place you put a clip The way you tie a bow How you fold your scarf The colour you choose for your flower

With your personal feeling no one can do it better than you But, be careful, one accent is enough. And if you choose a colour accent, select it with great care and remember that except in the hands of an expert two colours in one outfit is enough.

Accent, for lovely hands and a slender wrist this many stranded necklace of anthracite beads is used with originality as a bracelet wound round and round the arm.

They are so important to the well-dressed woman. The less you can afford for your frocks, the more care you must take with your accessories. With one frock and different accessories you can always be well turned out. But be always careful if you cannot have a complete set for each different colour.

You must choose a colour that will match many clothes in your wardrobe.

Unless you have a lot of money it is wiser to choose black, navy or brown for your accessories rather than a bright red or green.

It is a question of care and taste.

Dont buy much but make sure that what you buy is good.

Accessories, are very important. Here an emerald green hat highlights a black suit. The leather-handled umbrella is from the Dior Boutique.

Be very careful of adapting any frock or suit for that matter! When a frock has been created with much thought and care it is always very difficult to change the design without ruining it. It is always better if you can find another frock which is more convenient for you.

Any change is always an event and you never know quite what will happen!

Adaptation. Dont adapt! Any alteration would completely ruin the beautiful line and perfect balance of this lovely Dior tweed suit.

There is little difference in design between a day frock and an afternoon frock but the material is usually a little richer.

Of course you can wear a suit in the afternoon, too, but for later afternoon nothing is more useful than a frock which may be worn for cocktails or for dinner as well.

Black is the best colour for it in any material. If you can have only one afternoon frock I should always advise you to have it black.

And the most useful design is a dress with a dcollet and a bolero or spencer. Any sort of material is good from wool to lace. Any sort of bodice, and any kind of skirt slim or full, it depends on your figure and the kind of life you lead.

As far as fashion is concerned there are only two ages girlhood and womanhood.

(There are also grandmothers but it is only necessary to dress as a grandmother if you have a certain kind of figure and lead a certain kind of life.)

You can dress to suit yourself and therefore your age but this does not mean that you have to wear clothes that make you look old.

There is a slight difference in a womans way of dressing before and after marriage, too. I would not advise anyone to wear big jewels and expensive furs before marriage.

Age. Simple and elegant, this charming suit in brown wool is ideal for the older woman. Dior accents it with a tiny hat in vivid cerise .

By apron I do not mean the very necessary and very useful apron that you wear for your housework. In couture language, an apron is a piece of floating material which may change entirely the look of your skirt and give to it greater interest.

If your hips are not perfect and you wish to wear a slim frock, an apron put on the side or at the front or the back may help you very much to carry it off.

In dressmaking the armhole is a very important part of a garment. If the sleeve sits badly the whole design is ruined; and if a frock doesnt fit perfectly the fault is very often found at the armhole.

The type of armhole is a matter of choice. But remember that too deep an armhole is very fattening.

... Ball gown. Dior chooses rich satin for his dramatic black and white long evening dress and finishes the single ribbon band on the skirt with a large bow. The black and white theme is continued in necklace and ear-rings, which are of jet and brilliants.

A ball gown is your dream, and it must make you a dream I think it is just as necessary in a womans wardrobe as a suit. And it is wonderful for morale

Wearing a beautiful ball gown you become a real woman all femininity and daintiness and sweetness.

You can choose almost any material the richer the better chiffon, satin, brocade, silks; and organdie and cotton for the younger set.