The World According to Christian Dior by Patrick Mauriès A compact, illustrated collection of maxims on style, women, and inspiration by one of the most influential designers of the twentieth century, Christian Dior. Credited with creating some of the most luxurious and spectacular haute couture pieces of all time, Christian Dior became a fashion icon overnight in 1947 with the launch of his “New Look,” a sumptuous hourglass silhouette that provided a welcome tonic to the austerity of wartime. Its wild success, and the global fame that ensued, was built on the designer’s subtle understanding of fashion, couture, style, elegance, and women—a perspective best revealed in Dior’s own words.