CHRISTIAN DIOR
CHRISTIAN DIOR
Widely known for his ‘New Look’- This romantic, highly feminized style was characterized by a thin waist and long, full skirts and narrow bodice, as a result attracting censure in some quarters on account of its implicit undermining of the new freedoms enjoyed by women in the war years.There were many criticisms of the New Look; feminists have argued it was an attempt to return women to an oppressed, decorative role with its emphasis on the restrictive padding.
Photo by Adriana Sassoon
Although Christian Dior died in 1957, he is perhaps one of the most famous fashion designers of both the 20th and 21st centuries.By the time Dior died his name had become synonymous with taste and luxury. The business had an estimated turnover of $20-million annually.
Photo by Adriana Sassoon
Dior organized licence agreements to manufacture accessories internationally, and at the time of his death,furs, scarves, corsetry, lingerie, costume jewelry, and shoes were being produced.After years of struggle, the Dior reclaimed its licenses and rebuilt an empire in the capable hands of Bernard Arnault who bought the firm in 1984 from its owner, Agache-Willot.
* My last visit to FIDM.I remembered when I used to go to school, between classes I used to look at Dior’s work and admire his talent. So, I spotted these timeless pieces with my iphone.
DANGEROUS BEAUTY
DANGEROUS BEAUTY
Veronica Franco
Veronica Franco (1546–1591) was an Italian poet and courtesan in 16th century Venice.The daughter of another cortigiana onesta, Franco learned the art at a young age from her mother and was trained to use her natural assets and abilities to achieve a financially beneficial marriage. While still in her teens, Franco married a wealthy physician, but the union ended badly. In order to support herself, Franco turned to serving as a cortigiana to wealthy men. She quickly rose through the ranks to consort with some of the leading notables of her day and even had a brief liaison with Henry III, King of France.
A well-educated woman, Veronica Franco wrote two volumes of poetry: Terze rime in 1575 and Lettere familiari a diversi in 1580. She published books of letters and collected the works of other leading writers into anthologies. Successful in her two lines of work, Franco also founded a charity for courtesans and their children.
“When we too are armed and trained, we can convince men that we have hands, feet, and a heart like yours; and although we may be delicate and soft, some men who are delicate are also strong; and others, coarse and harsh, are cowards. Women have not yet realized this, for if they should decide to do so, they would be able to fight you until death; and to prove that I speak the truth, amongst so many women, I will be the first to act, setting an example for them to follow.”—Veronica Franco
Quotes
“I’m just a person trapped inside a woman’s body”. Elaine Boosler“Women belong in the house… and the Senate”. Unknown“Women have been taught that, for us, the earth is flat, and that if we venture out, we will fall off the edge”. Unknown“Man endures pain as an undeserved punishment; woman accepts it as a natural heritage”. Unknown“Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths”. Lois Wyse“Women are the only oppressed group in our society that lives in intimate association with their opressors”. Evelyn Cunningham
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