Christian Dior’s chosen land of refuge and inspiration, the South of France is profoundly linked to the history of the House of Dior.
For the first time, a book explores the couturier’s passionate ties to Provence. A hedonistic lifestyle ingrained in the sun-kissed landscapes that inspired his most beautiful fragrances. Today more than ever, these Mediterranean roots portray a solar Dior soul deeply established in exceptional locations. From the recently restored Château de La Colle Noire to flower fields dedicated to Dior fragrances, this is the ‘Dior South’ of past and present, nurtured by nature, and cradled by the dolce vita of an earthly paradise found.
Abounding in archive photographs, manuscripts, letters, and other precious testimonials, ‘Dior and the South’ is a rich and touching book whose pages portray a ‘different’ Dior, who would recharge his energy in heaven-sent lands that fulfilled his love of nature. A beloved South that was the couturier’s refuge, synonymous with happy holidays and sharing simple pleasures.
The delightful times Christian Dior spent in his beloved South were also occasions to welcome family and friends at La Colle Noire and cultivate friendships with the artists he cared about: Bernard Buffet, Marc Chagall, Marie-Laure de Noailles and many others shared laughter and gourmet dinners with Dior. These precious moments are the inspiration for illustrator Jean-Philippe Delhomme’s 12 imaginary scenes featuring Christian Dior with his star models beside the pool at the château, with Victoire on the terrace of the Sénéquier café in Saint Tropez, or with the great Marlene Dietrich in Cannes.
