Dior Impressions: The Inspiration and Influence of Impressionism at the House of Dior

Very few brands enjoy or have enjoyed the attention that surrounds Christian Dior. The topic is apparently an endless source of fascination for fashion historians, fashion aficionados, and scholars.

Dior Impressions serves as a catalog for the eponymous exhibit that was presented at the Musée Christian Dior in Granville, the ancestral home; it is also a unique volume that approaches the artistry of the brand via comparisons to the impressionist painters and paintings of the 19th century.

This stunning and yet diminutive volume provides the reader with addictive and arresting visuals as well as text that is simple and to the point.

What was apparent to this reader was the concentration on the brand’s current designer and the obvious omission of two of its past much heralded designers, namely Marc Bohan and Gianfranco Ferre. One might also take note that there is only a single reference to the tenure of Yves St Laurent. The majority of the book is steeped in the body of work of the eponymous designer who had an affinity for his gardens.

The beauty of Dior Impressions is that it can be appreciated on so many different levels. The reproduction quality is just astounding and the material is so jaw dropping as to proffer a truly heightened perception of just how amazingly talented Monsieur Dior was and how Mr. Galliano was the perfect successor.

Dior fans and Galliano fans will get a healthy dose of fashion here. For the fashion initiated this is one helluva great way to learn about this fabled brand and some of its immeasurably talented designers.