In 1947 Christian Dior rocked the fashion world with his "New Look" which dominated post war fashion and firmly secured the name of his house in the minds of the public and the fashion industry. He drew on historical models of femininity and utilized the unique skills of Parisian haute couture in textiles, embroidery, cutting and sewing techniques to produce stunning designs that captured the new mood of optimism after the war. Dior also designed and marketed ready-made luxe lines and broke new ground by creating and controlling innovative licensing agreements for all Dior products, from perfume to stockings, jewellery, bathing suits and even men's ties.

Based on new research, this absorbing and beautifully illustrated book examines the seminal years of Christian Dior, 1947-1957, from a truly international perspective.