Dior on Embroidery

 


Last night, I was browsing books in a shop, and I picked up a copy of a solemn-looking little tome called The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior. Of course, my fingers opened it, without leafing first, right smack to the entry "Embroidery" (why does this always happen to me?). I read the entry with great fascination, amusement and a little bit of shock (it was first published in 1954, after all). Quoth Monsieur Dior:

Embroidery

One of the most beautiful things done by the hand of woman. But one of the most dangerous to use with elegance. I don't like embroidery on day clothes-unless it is very, very simple.

If used discreetly it is good for cocktail dresses and in a more elaborate fashion it is wonderful for evening clothes. For a dinner party a short embroidered dress may be very nice, but you must only wear embroidery on suitable occasions, otherwise it is pretentious.

-Christian Dior, from The Little Dictionary of Fashion (HNA Books)


Well! What do you think of that? Embroidery "dangerous"? "Pretentious"? I love that it inspires such extreme concerns! I can't help it. >Devilish grin< I think I'm going to have a leetle bit of fun with this quote. Ahem:

Embroidery re-visited (with all due respect and apologies to M. Dior)

One of the most beautiful things done by the hand of man, woman or child. Plain or elaborate, embroidery is always a symbol of elegance. I love insane embroidery on everything, everywhere, any time day or night, for any occasion. The simpler, the sweeter. The crazier, the better. J'adore embroidery! Gimme more embroidery! There is never a wrong time to be embroidered.

How's that? Better? I think so!

 

 

 

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Dior on embroidery

I like that we're "dangerous," I'm not sure about "pretentious," but I like "dangerous"
There is "never a wrong time to be embroidered" or a wrong thing to embroider. I like your version better!

We're all rebels!

I knew that just because I've become a mom and spend the wee hours of the night stitching....I haven't gone all soft and cuddly. Ha! Danger is my middle name.....maybe I'll run through the house with my embroidery scissors in hand! See that Mr Dior - we are dangerous - people should fear any and all bare fabrics for they MUST be embroidered!!!

Que scandal!

I keep telling my friends I haven't gone soft by taking up embroidery, and here's the proof - Msr. Dior himself states it is dangerous! I'm living on the edge of simplicity and insanity, how wonderfully subversive!

embroidery

I read an amazing article on Lesage a few weeks ago and understand that Chanel have bought the embroidery workshop. I believe they've bought many of the specialist workshops that contribute to couture collections. I love the idea of embroidery as dangerous.


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