A new fashion book, Stars in Dior by Jerome Hanover ($65, published by Rizzoli) will be available this May in France and later in September in the U.S. From old Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich to today's celebs like Charlize Theron and Natalie Portman, few knew that in 1942 Christian Dior himself got his start as a costume designer before his couture house was created in 1946. This book features 250 photos of film stills, location shots, photographs and portraits of actresses – all dressed in Dior.
Natalie Portman, photographed by Alexi Lubomirski, in an embroidered silk dress, Christian Dior Haute Couture collection by John Galliano, Autumn–Winter 2009. © Alexi Lubomirski.
Charlize Theron photographed by Patrick Demarchelier in the Galerie des Glaces at the Château de Versailles, 2012. © Patrick Demarchelier.
In Alfred Hitchcock’s Stage Fright, Marlene Dietrich imposes her friend and couturier Christian Dior: “No Dior, no Dietrich!” Hitchcock, well known for the care he takes in developing his heroines’ style, will have to give in to the star’s demands. Her contract requires a Dior wardrobe (which she was allowed to keep after the end of shooting). With no hard feelings, the director will admit: “Miss Dietrich is a professional. A professional actress, a professional cameraman, a professional dress designer!” © Rue des Archives/BCA
