TAKING an introspective journey into the lives of Christian Dior and Christian Bérard, Dior has just welcomed the arrival of a new book.
Christian Dior, Christian Bérard, Joyful Melancholy is a joint biography which delves into the initial meeting of the famed designer and iconic artist.
Dior Bérard: Joyful Melancholy by Laurence Benaim
Bérard – also known as Bebè – was a jack of all trades. As a reputed French artist, fashion illustrator and designer, he was widely known in the Parisian art scene. Bérard did some of his most famous works for figures such as Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli and Nina Ricci. The artist met Dior through their mutual composer friend Henri Sauget, and then the two became excellent friends.
Dior Bérard: Joyful Melancholy by Laurence Benaim
Having met at the end of the twenties, the two creative practitioners grew closer and closer thanks to their profound affinity for art and culture. The book explores an era of utmost importance to the Maison – inter-war Paris to post-war Café Society.
Dior Bérard: Joyful Melancholy by Laurence Benaim
Written by Laurence Benaïm – a renowned journalist with expertise in fashion – the book carefully demonstrates the ways in which the duo’s lives were intertwined. Dior and Bérard embodied the most profound French values. Utilising their charm, rigour and perseverance, the two became trailblazers within the industry.
Featuring creations from Christian Dior and Christian Bérard, alongside images from photographers such as Richard Avedon, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Doisneau, Lee Miller and Irving Penn, it’s clear that the new book will educate and enthral us all.
by Sophie Richardson