Brigid Keenan

While this book may be slightly out of date (Marc Bohan hasn't been the creative director of Dior for ages) its narrative of the fashion house's inception and years under Christian Dior still stands. I very much enjoyed how organized the structure is, with a chapter dedicated to each of the 10 years during Dior's reign, and Keenan's terse but detailed description of each Spring and Autumn collection. The photos accompanying each chapter may be in black and white (which seems anathema to show more expressing the tone of some clothes - reliant on colour and texture as they are), but Dior's clothes seem to be more about their distinctive shapes than the materials that they are made of. In a way this proves the unique qualities of Dior's designs, as few other designers can rely on line alone. show less

I wanted to REALLY like this book, as it is very amusing, interesting and well-written. However the author's anti-semitism really put me off. Pity!

Hilarious tales about life abroad. I could relate to many of the author's misadventures! A funny and insightful look into the life of an expat.

Heartbreakingly funny - and sometimes - just as sad. A jewel of a book.