Girl in Dior

Gr 9 Up—This is a appealing graphic novel, gorgeously illustrated by French costume designer and illustrator Goetzinger. The story covers the 1947 groundbreaking first fashion show put on by designer Christian Dior, when he introduced weary post-World War II patrons to the "New Look"—yards and yards of fabric and fantasy after years of shortages and short skirts. We watch the magic happen through the eyes of Clara Nohant, a young "fashion chronicler," a fictional character injected into the story amid real-life modistes, drapers, pattern makers, muses, magazine editors, and movie stars who surrounded the designer. Particularly informative and educational are the representations of all the hard work that went into the creation of a Dior "line": from conception to realization to presentation, and the loyalty, inspiration, and support the designer's team provided him. Goetzinger's renderings of each character, from Dior's beloved dog "Bobby" to French grandmères to Hollywood icons is distinct and memorable in every respect. And the clothes! The sweep and drape of the gowns and the exquisite cut of the suits and hats will make would-be designers and future fashion chroniclers shiver. Clara's fairy-tale journey from journalist to model to Dior confidante and client feels as fresh as if it happened last week.