CULTURE WATCH

With the introduction of the New Look, Christian Dior quickly became American fashion’s ultimate agent provocateur,playing on the country’s appetite for newness and for French savoir-faire. Having once said that his client would be “the most elegant woman in the world,” Dior proved that point by dressing American style icons, including Lauren Bacall, Grace Kelly, Marilyin Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Explore the designer’s special relationship with the U.S. in this beautifully illustrated volume from Assouline.