I recently had the pleasure of attending a discussion featuring the authors of The History of Modern Fashion, as well as other figures in the fashion industry. During this lecture, the authors recommended that everyone in the audience watch Frédéric Tcheng’s Dior and I. (Amazon link but it’s also on Netflix!) 

I took their advice and absolutely adored the film, and I think my fellow CF ladies will enjoy it, too. Below, I’ll give you the lowdown on this must-see movie and share two outfits inspired by the film. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

About “Dior and I”

The film, mostly in French with English subtitles, follows designer Raf Simons as he takes on the daunting task of becoming creative director for Christian Dior in 2012. Simons left Christian Dior in October of this year, but his incredible artistry and encapsulation of the Dior spirit is nevertheless something to be admired.

The film beautifully captures the journey of an artist, emotes deep affection for the beauty of the fashion industry – which often gets lost in clouds of controversy, advertising, and glamour – and pays homage to the behind-the-scenes workers that pour their hearts and souls into each collection. 

Key Terms to Know

These will be old news to seasoned fashion fans, but they feature in the film and it’s important to understand what they mean.

• Haute Couture: Considered the highest of high fashion, haute couture is made to order and often includes hand-sewn details made by the house’s seamstresses. This type of fashion is very exclusive, very expensive, and has a relatively small market; however, it is the peak of artistry in the fashion industry.
• Ready-to-Wear: The most common type of designer fashion today, consisting of standard clothing sizes that are more readily distributed and often industrially made.
• Atelier: The design house’s workshop in which the collection is made.
• Premiéres: The heads of teams of seamstresses; in Dior’s house there is one for dresses and one for suits.

Outfits Inspired by “Dior and I”

Seamstress Minimalism

Products: Shirt, Trousers, Jacket, Shoes, Bag